Donald Trump has once again brought up his interest in purchasing Greenland, reviving a debate that first surfaced in 2019 during his presidency. His latest push for the island has raised eyebrows in Denmark and across Europe, reigniting discussions about whether this is a serious geopolitical strategy or simply another one of Trump’s unconventional ideas.
Trump first proposed buying Greenland from Denmark in August 2019, repeatedly discussing the possibility with his advisors and even directing his White House legal team to explore the logistics of such a deal. However, the suggestion was immediately dismissed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who called the idea “absurd.” Trump, apparently displeased with the rejection, responded by canceling a scheduled visit to Denmark, underscoring how serious he was about the matter.
While many dismissed the idea as unrealistic, history suggests otherwise. The United States has long shown interest in Greenland, particularly for its strategic military importance. In 1946, President Harry Truman made an offer to buy the island for $100 million in gold, but Denmark declined. Even before that, during World War II, the U.S. established a military presence in Greenland, recognizing its value as a key location in the Arctic.
Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland comes alongside his broader territorial ambitions, which include revisiting control over the Panama Canal and even suggesting that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. European leaders have strongly rejected these ideas, warning that any aggressive attempt to take Greenland would be met with military force. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has also firmly opposed Trump’s proposal, stating that the island is not and never will be for sale.
Amid this controversy, Donald Trump Jr. recently visited Greenland, coinciding with his father’s renewed push to acquire the island. On social media, he claimed that Greenland would benefit greatly from becoming part of the U.S. and even used the slogan, “Make Greenland Great Again.” However, he later clarified on his podcast that he was not there to negotiate a purchase, though he expressed admiration for the island.
So why is Trump so determined to acquire Greenland? The answer lies in its strategic location, economic potential, and geopolitical significance. As the Arctic ice continues to melt, new shipping routes are emerging, making Greenland a crucial player in international trade. Control over these routes could give the U.S. a significant advantage in global commerce.
Additionally, Greenland is rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and gas. These materials are essential for modern technology, and the U.S. currently relies heavily on China for rare earth imports. Acquiring Greenland’s resources could reduce this dependence and boost U.S. economic security. Trump, known for his focus on energy independence, likely sees the island as a long-term investment with vast economic potential.
From a military perspective, the U.S. already operates the Thule Air Base in Greenland, a key installation for missile defense and Arctic surveillance. However, full control over the island would allow the U.S. to expand its military presence and counter growing Russian and Chinese activities in the region. Russia has been increasing its Arctic operations, reopening Soviet-era bases and deploying advanced weaponry, while China has been investing in Arctic infrastructure and positioning itself as a key player in the region.
Despite these strategic advantages, Trump’s Greenland dream faces major obstacles. Denmark has no intention of selling the island, and Greenland’s residents strongly oppose any shift in their political status. Critics argue that Trump’s proposal is more about generating headlines than pursuing a realistic policy.
Whether Trump genuinely believes Greenland should be part of the U.S. or is simply using the idea as a political talking point remains unclear. One thing is certain: his obsession with Greenland isn’t fading anytime soon, and the world is watching to see what he does next.
