Now, Silicon Valley investors eye Greenland as tech hub

Silicon Valley for long has sought to establish low-regulation cities globally

Agencies NUUK

Silicon Valley tech investors are pushing for Greenland to become a libertarian "freedom city”, with minimal corporate regulation, sources told Reuters. This comes as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to acquire the island from Denmark. 

Trump's pick for Denmark ambassador, Ken Howery, a former associate of tech billionaire Peter Thiel and a friend of Elon Musk, is reportedly involved in these discussions. The vision includes making Greenland a hub for advanced technologies like AI, autonomous vehicles, and space launches. 

Trump himself has promoted similar ideas.   Howery declined to comment. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. The administration's interest highlights the growing influence of tech magnates and Trump's increasingly expansionist foreign policy.  His recent suggestions include redeveloping Gaza and acquiring the Panama Canal and Canada.

Greenland, strategically important to the US military and rich in minerals, is a target of Trump's interest. Despite its small population, he insists, "We have to have Greenland," and hasn't ruled out military force if Denmark refuses to sell. The discussions, though in early stages, point to a collision between tech ambitions and geopolitical strategy, with Greenland at the centre.