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

President-elect Donald Trump caused controversy on Sunday by suggesting that the United States should take “ownership” of Greenland, calling it an “absolute necessity.” The statement came as Trump nominated PayPal co-founder Ken Howery to serve as US ambassador to Denmark.In his announcement on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “For the purposes of national security and freedom throughout the world, the United States feels that ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity. Ken will do a wonderful job representing the interests of the United States. Thank you, Ken , and congratulations!”

It is not the first time that the USA has expressed its interest in buying Greenland, nor will it be the first time that the country brought land from another sovereign country.

Who owns Greenland?

Trump’s statements immediately questioned Greenland’s sovereignty. While Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it functions as an independent territory with its own government. This home rule government administers domestic affairs, including education, health care, natural resources and law enforcement, with Nuuk as its administrative capital.

Denmark retains control over foreign affairs, defense and monetary policy, although Greenland is consulted on international agreements. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark acts as the ceremonial head of state, while Greenland’s government is led by Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede (from 2024).

Trump’s comments sparked widespread reactions on social media. Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri joked on X (formerly Twitter), “When we buy Greenland, should we call it MAGADONIA?” Despite the uproar, neither Greenland nor Denmark has issued an official response.

Why Trump wants Greenland

It is not the first time that Trump has expressed an interest in Greenland. In 2019, he triggered a diplomatic row with Denmark by raising the same question. The USA has long shown an interest in acquiring Greenland; in 1946, President Harry Truman offered $100 million for the island, and American interests date back to 1867. Historically, land acquisitions between nations without war are not uncommon. The United States has made significant purchases, including:

• Alaska: Purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million.
• Louisiana Territory: Purchased from France in 1803 for $15 million.
• Danish West Indies (US Virgin Islands): Bought from Denmark in 1916 for 25 million dollars.
• Philippine Islands: Purchased from Spain in 1946 (later ceded).

Globally, land purchases include Pakistan acquiring Gwadar from Oman in 1958 for 5.5 billion Pakistani rupees and France buying Saint Barthelemy from Sweden in 1878.

Earlier this month, Fox News reported the possibility of the US pursuing a major land purchase in the coming years, reigniting speculation about Greenland.