Can Donald Trump fulfill America’s 157-year-old dream?

President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday stirred controversy by suggesting that america ought to take “possession” of Greenland, calling it an “absolute necessity.” The assertion got here as Trump nominated PayPal co-founder Ken Howery to function the U.S. ambassador to Denmark.In his announcement on Reality Social, Trump wrote, “For functions of Nationwide Safety and Freedom all through the World, america of America feels that the possession and management of Greenland is an absolute necessity. Ken will do an exquisite job in representing the pursuits of america. Thanks, Ken, and congratulations!”This isn’t the primary time that US has expressed its curiosity to purchase the Greenland and it will not be the primary such occasion the place the nation introduced land from one other sovereign nation both.

Who owns Greenland

Trump’s remarks instantly sparked questions on Greenland’s sovereignty. Whereas Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it operates as an autonomous territory with its personal authorities. This home-rule authorities manages home affairs, together with schooling, healthcare, pure assets, and legislation enforcement, with Nuuk as its administrative capital.

Denmark retains management over international affairs, protection, and financial coverage, though Greenland is consulted on worldwide agreements. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark serves because the ceremonial head of state, whereas Greenland’s authorities is led by Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede (as of 2024).

Trump’s feedback prompted widespread reactions on social media. Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri joked on X (previously Twitter), “Once we purchase Greenland, ought to we name it MAGADONIA?” Regardless of the uproar, neither Greenland nor Denmark has issued an official response.

Why Trump Desires Greenland

This isn’t the primary time Trump has expressed curiosity in Greenland. In 2019, he sparked a diplomatic row with Denmark by elevating the identical challenge. The U.S. has lengthy proven curiosity in buying Greenland; in 1946, President Harry Truman supplied $100 million for the island, and U.S. curiosity dates again to 1867.Traditionally, land acquisitions between nations with out conflict usually are not unusual. The U.S. has made vital purchases, together with:Alaska: Purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million.Louisiana Territory: Bought from France in 1803 for $15 million.Danish West Indies (U.S. Virgin Islands): Purchased from Denmark in 1916 for $25 million.Philippine Islands: Purchased from Spain in 1946 (later relinquished).Globally, land purchases embrace Pakistan buying Gwadar from Oman in 1958 for five.5 billion Pakistani rupees and France shopping for Saint Barthelemy from Sweden in 1878.

Earlier this month, Fox Information reported the potential for the U.S. pursuing a big land buy within the coming years, reigniting hypothesis about Greenland.