Janice R. Andrews
Greenland PM Firmly Denies Trump’s Proposal
In response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated interest in acquiring Greenland, Prime Minister Mute Egede of Greenland issued a strong rejection, stating, “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.” This came after Trump, 78, suggested the U.S. should control the autonomous Danish territory for national security and global freedom.
Trump Revives Greenland Acquisition Idea
On Sunday evening, Trump announced his choice for the U.S. ambassador to Denmark, PayPal co-founder Ken Howery, and took the opportunity to again express his interest in Greenland. In a post on Truth Social, he declared, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”
Greenland, the world’s largest island, covers about 836,000 square miles and is rich in natural resources. Its strategic significance, including vital shipping routes, military interests, and Arctic sovereignty, makes it an attractive prospect for expansionists. However, Greenland’s leadership remains resolute in rejecting the idea.
U.S. Interest in Greenland: A Long History
This isn’t the first time Trump has made a bid for Greenland. During his first presidential term, he proposed purchasing the island, which was met with a firm refusal from Denmark and Greenland. The Danish government made it clear that while Greenland was “open for business,” it was “not for sale.” In fact, Trump’s interest led him to cancel a 2019 state visit to Denmark.
The U.S. has historically expressed interest in acquiring Greenland. In 1946, the U.S. offered Denmark $100 million in gold for the island, which would amount to approximately $1.4 billion today when adjusted for inflation. However, Greenland’s value has only increased over the years due to its geopolitical and resource-based importance.
Greenland’s Autonomy and Independence
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, with a population of around 55,000. Though it relies on Denmark for more than half of its budget, the island has a small but active pro-independence movement.
Polling in 2019 revealed that two-thirds of Greenlanders supported full independence from Denmark, and a 2021 poll showed that 69% favored closer cooperation with the U.S. While independence remains a strong sentiment, the idea of selling Greenland to the U.S. is not widely supported.
The Charters Cities Institute, based in Washington, D.C., studied the possibility of a U.S. purchase. It suggested that an offer of $500 billion, distributed among Greenland’s citizens—about $8.7 million each—might change some opinions. However, the chance of a deal remains extremely unlikely.
Global Reactions
Trump’s revived interest in Greenland ties into his broader vision of territorial expansion, which has also included comments on annexing Canada and invading Mexico, as well as reasserting control over the Panama Canal. But these remarks have not resulted in any actionable proposals or policies.
In contrast, the Biden administration has focused on strengthening diplomatic relations with Greenland without pursuing ownership. During a 2021 visit, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the importance of partnership over acquisition, saying, “I am in Greenland because the United States deeply values our partnership and wants to make it even stronger.”
The U.S. has made efforts to bolster its relationship with Greenland, including reopening a consulate in Nuuk in 2020 and committing $12 million for civilian projects. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede welcomed this approach, expressing optimism about future cooperation, including the possibility of a free trade agreement with the U.S.
Greenland’s Strategic Importance
Greenland’s mineral wealth and ice sheet-covered landscape make it a region of immense potential. Its location in the Arctic makes it crucial for military and economic strategies, especially as global warming opens up new shipping routes. Both the U.S. and China have expressed interest in the region, amplifying its geopolitical importance.
Trump’s comments highlight the continued appeal of Greenland for American interests. However, they also underscore the challenges of pursuing such ambitions amid strong opposition from Greenlandic and Danish leadership.
Greenland’s Firm Rejection
Prime Minister Mute Egede’s swift response makes it clear that Greenland will not entertain any discussions of selling the island. Greenland’s leadership remains focused on preserving its sovereignty and autonomy, rejecting any foreign claims.
Egede’s statement, “We must not lose our long struggle for freedom,” reflects the island’s ongoing efforts to assert independence. The focus is now likely to remain on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties rather than pursuing controversial proposals like territorial acquisition. For the time being, Greenland has made it abundantly clear that the island is not for sale.
