Dave Davies

We should just for context note that in 2009, Greenland had acquired self-rule.

So even though it was a part of the kingdom of Denmark, it now elected its own parliament, right?

There are political parties.

And I'm wondering from your sense reporting in Greenland, you took several reporting trips there.

Do Greenlanders feel that Denmark is a colonial power that is exploiting the territory or do they feel some loyalty towards the kingdom?

One of the interesting things about this to me is when we think about Trump coming back in for a second presidential term –

I mean, there are a lot of issues he's dealing with.

I mean, the economy and tariffs and all this.

But somehow, this guy Tom Danz, who's fascinated with the Greenland thing, managed to have a real effect on the transition process and elevate this idea in the Trump agenda.

That's the Greenland Policy Coordinating Committee that operates within the National Security Council, right?

Which the government of Denmark did not learn about for a long time.

We need to take another break here.

Let me reintroduce you.

We are speaking with Ben Taub.

He is a staff writer for The New Yorker.

His new article is titled Inside the Ludicrous, Deadly Serious Plan to Take Over Greenland.

He'll be back to talk more after this short break.

I'm Dave Davies, and this is Fresh Air.

So early in the second Trump term, all these conservative influencers get into the act of trying to convince Greenland that it is in their interest to welcome the embrace of the United States.

They're being mistreated by Denmark.