Context: Months after stirring a row with Denmark last August over a proposal to “purchase” Greenland from the Nordic nation, the US has caused ruffles once again with its offers of financial aid to the autonomous island that falls within the territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Background

• In August 2019, US put a proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark. Subsequently, Denmark had dismissed the possibility of the US acquiring Greenland, calling it an absurd discussion.
• This proposal follows plans by the US government to open a consulate in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. 
• Members of Denmark’s parliament expressed outrage at the US government’s attempts to provide financial aid to Greenland with some politicians considering the steps to be “extremely provocative” interference by the US.

About Greenland

• Located in the continent of North America, it is world’s largest island. 
• Greenland does not share land borders with any countries.
• Greenland is self-governed province under the control of Demark.
• Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Why is US offering Greenland financial aid?
As per US, it proposes to give aid for 

1. sustainable growth in the autonomous island, 
2. due to Russia’s aggressive behavior and increased militarisation in the Arctic and 
3. due to China’s predatory economic interests.

Why is US obsessed with Greenland?

• US’s interest in Greenland is an extension of US foreign policy.
• In past, US purchased another country or territory two times: it acquired Louisiana from the French in 1803 and purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867.

Geopolitical Ambition of USA

• Secure position of current US president in US history of having been the third president to add land to the country’s territory.
• Greenland is strategically located between the Arctic Sea and the Atlantic Ocean,
• It has some of the largest deposits of rare-earth metals, including iron-ore, uranium, by products of zinc, neodymium, praseodymium etc. These rare-earth metals are used in the production of electric cars, mobile phones and computers.
• China has been the world’s largest supplier of these rare-earth metals. An acquisition of Greenland would make the US less reliant on China for these rare-earth metals.
• Due to climate change, the Arctic ice is melting at an accelerated rate, opening up water routes for military and maritime trade. 
• Russia has been steadily expanding its military presence in the Arctic and China has done its bit on the economic front.