The Purchase of Greenland for the United States?

Kate LaPlaca

Staff Writer

In President Trump’s first year back to being President, he has stated on numerous occasions that he is interested in purchasing Greenland, from Denmark, for the United States. He also argued that the US could claim the island because of its efforts to defend the territory during World War Two after Denmark was invaded by Germany. “We already had it, but we returned it to Denmark” he said, adding that the US “should have kept it”.

But he insisted the US would not use force.

“We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would be frankly unstoppable. But I won’t do that,” Trump told an audience of world leaders.

While Greenland technically is not their own sovereign country, they are under the sovereign of the Kingdom of Denmark, they are in charge of their own government and runs itself in that category, but in regards to foreign affairs, that falls under the realm of the control of Denmark. The proposition of the US purchasing Greenland has come up before in 1946, but the offer was denied by Denmark. The position where Greenland is on the map and in regards to Europe is a perfect position for the US. In what Trump is arguing that it is vital for the security of the United States.

Geopolitically, the position of Greenland is significant, especially as the Arctic is becoming more available, due to climate change, and the effects that is having on the rest of the world. The U.S in the current time already does have military personnel on Greenland for missile defense and surveillance of the Arctic, which then leads to Trump thinking and encouraging having total control of Greenland, in his opinion, can help the U.S significantly in the power they hold globally.

President Trump’s continuous want and bringing up for the interest in the purchase of Greenland for the US is leading to more aggravation and distaste for the President and US for not listening that Greenland is not up for sale. It has been said again and again by both Greenland and their Sovereign Denmark, that Greenland is a part of Denmark, and is self-governing and not interested in becoming a part of a different country, where the civilians of Greenland are not interested.