Donald Trump is once again eyeing Greenland, reviving his controversial proposal for the U.S. to purchase Denmarkโs autonomous territory.
The idea first surfaced in 2019 during his first term, sparking both intrigue and ridicule. Though it faded into the background after Trump left office, the notion has returned with new urgency as he prepares to begin his second term in less than two weeks.
Trump’s renewed interest became evident this week when his son, Donald Trump Jr., visited Nuuk, Greenland, accompanied by key figures from the president-electโs circle. Joining him were Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, Winning Team Publishing co-owner Sergio Gor, and James Blair, the incoming deputy chief of staff.
โGreenland is Not for Saleโ
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen wasted no time in reaffirming Denmark’s stance: “Greenland is not for sale.” She emphasized Greenland’s autonomy, declaring, โGreenland is not Danish. Greenland is Greenlandic.โ
This echoes sentiments from 2019, when Trumpโs initial interest in the territory was met with widespread rejection from Greenlandic and Danish officials. Back then, Frederiksenโs firm dismissal even prompted Trump to cancel a planned state visit to Denmark.
Still, Trump appears undeterred. In a Truth Social post, he wrote:
โDon 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!โ
The Price Tag of Greenland
If Greenland were hypothetically for sale, how much would it cost?
Historical comparisons offer some perspective. When the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867, the 586,412-square-mile territory was sold for $7.2 millionโaround $153.5 million in todayโs dollars. Greenland, at 836,000 square miles, is roughly 1.5 times larger. Using this logic, a proportional price tag would amount to $230.25 million.
But other factors complicate the valuation. In 1946, the U.S. floated the idea of purchasing Greenland for $100 million in gold, which would now be worth over $1.6 billion. Additionally, Greenlandโs 2021 GDP stood at $3.24 billion, suggesting a significantly higher cost.
For context, other U.S. land acquisitionsโsuch as the Louisiana Purchase ($15 million in 1803) and the Virgin Islands purchase ($25 million in 1917)โpale in comparison to Greenlandโs strategic and economic value.
Strategic Location and Trumpโs Pitch
Trumpโs persistence stems from Greenlandโs unique position in the Arctic. The territoryโs vast natural resources and strategic location have made it a focal point of global interest, particularly as climate change opens new shipping routes and access to untapped reserves.
During his sonโs visit, Trump dialed into a community event in Nuuk, where Don Jr. met with locals. Speaking through a speakerphone, Trump made his case directly to Greenlanders:
โItโs a very special place. It needs security for itself, but also for the world. Youโre so strategically locatedโour country needs it, and the whole world needs it.โ
Trumpโs comments hinted at concerns over international maritime activity in the region, cryptically referencing โships sailing around that arenโt the right ships.โ
The Road Ahead
Despite Trumpโs enthusiasm, any move to acquire Greenland would face significant hurdles, not least gaining Congressional approval. The U.S. Constitution mandates that Congress allocate funds for land purchasesโa task that could prove challenging, even with Trump-friendly lawmakers.
Moreover, the political resistance from Denmark and Greenland remains a formidable barrier. As Frederiksen and others have made clear, the Arctic island is not up for negotiation.
Whether Trumpโs efforts are strategic posturing or a serious policy goal, the renewed focus on Greenland ensures it will remain a hot topic as Trumpโs second term begins.
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