Janice R. Andrews
Trump Revives Greenland Acquisition Proposal
Donald Trump is once again proposing the purchase of Greenland, an autonomous territory under Denmark. The former U.S. president initially raised the idea in 2019 during his first term, but no formal actions were taken to advance the plan. Now, as he prepares for his second term, Trump is revisiting the notion, with his son, Donald Trump Jr., recently visiting Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, alongside key representatives of the incoming administration.
Despite the renewed push, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly rejected the idea, stating, “Greenland is not for sale.” This echoes the strong opposition from Greenlandic and Danish officials in 2019 when Trump’s proposal was first revealed.
What Would Greenland Cost?
While the exact cost of Greenland remains speculative, comparisons with previous U.S. land acquisitions offer some perspective:
- The Alaska Purchase (1867):
- Area: 586,412 square miles.
- Price: $7.2 million (equivalent to $153.5 million today).
- Given Greenland’s size (1.5 times larger than Alaska), a 50% price increase suggests a potential cost of $230.25 million.
- 1946 Proposal for Greenland:
- Suggested price: $100 million in gold (worth approximately $1.6 billion today).
- Greenland’s GDP:
- 2021 figure: $3.24 billion.
- This figure indicates that Greenland’s value may far exceed historical land purchase costs.
- Other U.S. Land Purchases:
- U.S. Virgin Islands (1917): $25 million in gold (worth $616.2 million today).
- Louisiana Purchase (1803): $15 million (approximately $418.8 million today).
These estimates offer a rough framework for Greenland’s potential price, but its strategic significance and natural resources would likely increase its value.
Legal and Political Challenges
For any land acquisition to move forward, Congress must approve the funds required to purchase Greenland. Even with a Congress that is favorable to Trump, gaining approval for such a controversial purchase could prove difficult.
In 2019, Danish PM Frederiksen dismissed the idea outright, saying, “Greenland is not for sale. Greenland is Greenlandic,” which led Trump to cancel a planned state visit to Denmark.
Donald Trump Jr.’s Visit to Greenland
This week, Donald Trump Jr. traveled to Greenland with conservative figures like Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, and other representatives of the incoming administration. During the visit, Trump Jr. met with locals in Nuuk and facilitated a speakerphone call with his father.
In his remarks, Trump Jr. relayed his father’s views on Greenland’s strategic importance:
- “Greenland is a very special place. It needs security, not just for itself but for the world.”
- Trump highlighted Greenland’s location and the presence of foreign ships in its waters as evidence of its geopolitical value.
- He concluded with a call for global security, drawing cheers from those in attendance.
Trump’s Interest in Greenland
The appeal of Greenland lies in its strategic location in the Arctic, its abundant natural resources, and its potential to strengthen the U.S.’s global position. As the Arctic region becomes increasingly important in global politics, owning Greenland could provide the U.S. with significant military and economic advantages.
Reactions to the Proposal
Despite Trump’s renewed push, Greenlandic and Danish leaders continue to reject the idea of selling the territory, with some calling it “ridiculous” and “a joke.” Greenlandic officials also stress their sovereignty and identity, emphasizing that they are not a commodity to be bought and sold.
Trump, however, remains undeterred. On Truth Social, he posted:
“Don Jr. and my Reps landing in Greenland. The reception has been great. They, and the Free World, need safety, security, strength, and PEACE! This is a deal that must happen. MAGA. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”
What’s Next?
While Trump’s proposal faces considerable obstacles, including diplomatic opposition and legal hurdles, it remains unclear whether he will pursue the acquisition further once he takes office again. Greenland’s strategic importance, coupled with its sovereignty concerns, makes this an unprecedented and challenging proposition.
As Trump prepares to begin his second term, it remains to be seen whether this idea will gain traction or ultimately fade away, much like the thawing Arctic ice.
