Staff Reports
The new administration under President Trump is looking to enlarge the U.S. territory. One plan being considered is to take over Marie Byrd Land, a part of Antarctica that no country currently claims. This land is familiar to the United States, as it was explored by American Richard E. Byrd in the past.
Marie Byrd Land is situated in West Antarctica and is the biggest unclaimed area on Earth. It was named after Richard Byrd’s wife, Marie. The U.S. has a history of exploration in this region, with expeditions dating back to 1928.
You will never convince me that this territory should not be part of the United States.
1) It's rich repositories of gold, coal, copper, sulfur, and nickel would greatly benefit the American economy.
2) It's strategic position makes it the final piece in the First Island Chain… pic.twitter.com/Y6Aa8N6xHA
— Astraia (@astraiaintel) January 17, 2025
Although the Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, put a hold on new territorial claims in Antarctica, it does not apply to the United States. The U.S. had reserved the right to make claims in Antarctica. This implies that the U.S. could claim Marie Byrd Land if deemed necessary.
By taking control of this region, the U.S. could potentially benefit from resources like krill and Chilean Sea Bass found in the exclusive economic zone surrounding the land. These resources are currently exploited by fishing vessels from different countries. The annexation of Marie Byrd Land would allow the U.S. to manage fisheries more sustainably and reap the benefits of these marine resources.
Moreover, there is the possibility of discovering oil and gas reserves in the waters nearby Marie Byrd Land. With the Antarctic Treaty set to expire in 2040, the U.S. could have the chance to access natural resources on the mainland of the region as well. This includes coal deposits and sites suitable for geothermal energy production.
In conclusion, claiming Marie Byrd Land aligns with the Trump administration’s goal of expanding U.S. territory and could lead to practical advantages in terms of resource management and future economic opportunities. It is a strategic move that could secure valuable resources for the United States.
