Elizabeth Graham, a bestselling author recognized for her expertise on U.S.-Russia relations, warns that President Donald Trump's approach to Greenland has created unprecedented strain in transatlantic relations. In a recent Substack post titled 'Deception At Davos,' Graham analyzes Trump's statements at the World Economic Forum, where he discussed Greenland while reassuring European leaders he would not use force.
Graham, who spent eight years studying Russia and managed the largest Russian-language military database in the U.S., interprets Trump's speech as deceptive. "For Trump, words are used to con others, with no intention or understanding of honesty," she writes. She draws parallels between Trump's approach to Greenland and his actions in Venezuela, where he announced control over the country's gas and oil industry after justifying intervention with misleading claims about drug trafficking methods.
The strategic importance of Greenland lies in its untapped rare minerals used in manufacturing magnets critical for aircraft engines, electric cars, and advanced machinery. According to Wikipedia, "China dominates the global rare earth magnet market, controlling most processing and manufacturing, which gives it significant leverage in high-tech industries like EVs, wind turbines, plane engines, and defense." Graham notes that after Trump increased tariffs on Chinese goods, China implemented rigorous export controls on rare earth elements, making alternative supply chains essential.
Graham argues that Trump's pursuit of Greenland represents an attempt to secure these resources through deception rather than diplomacy. "He avoids openly discussing this, claiming control of Greenland is necessary for U.S. security—a tactic identical to his grab of Venezuela by treachery and deception," she states. This approach has broader implications, as Graham warns that Trump "will not stop at Venezuela and Greenland but will pursue further territorial gains through misleading promises."
The author connects these actions to broader geopolitical consequences, citing NPR reporting from July 1, 2025, about devastating impacts in Africa after Trump closed USAID programs. She urges European leaders to recognize the pattern, stating, "Europe must stand firm and not permit Trump to gain ownership of Greenland. Otherwise, it's uncertain which country he might target next."
Graham's analysis draws on her extensive background, including living under Communism in the Soviet Union and Russia long enough to become, in her words, "bi-cultural." Her insights are further detailed in her book 'From Democracy To Democrazy: A Warning To All Americans,' available at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elizabeth-Graham/author/B0CMY189NT, and through her Substack messages at https://substack.com/@elizabethgraham. She has also announced an upcoming 2026 book, 'Survival: Democracy's Struggle To Survive,' featuring contributions from other authors examining the Trump-Putin relationship.
The implications of Graham's warning extend beyond diplomatic relations to global economic stability and security. By framing Trump's actions as reminiscent of historical territorial expansions, she suggests current developments could escalate toward broader conflict if European leaders fail to recognize deceptive patterns in U.S. foreign policy under the current administration.
