Trump Revives Bid to Buy Greenland, Citing Strategic and Economic Interests

Trump Revives Bid to Buy Greenland, Citing Strategic and Economic Interests Former U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his controversial push for the United States to purchase Greenland, framing the massive Arctic island as a key strategic and economic asset. The proposal, which has resurfaced multiple times, continues to strain relations with the NATO ally that governs the territory, Denmark [58539][55297][55319]. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump publicly reiterated his interest, stating the U.S. should be allowed to acquire Greenland and calling for immediate negotiations [55297][55327]. He has described the potential acquisition as "a large real estate deal" [58539]. While stating he does not want to use force, his administration's past tactics have included reported cash offers to Greenlanders, threats of tariffs against Denmark, and a refusal to rule out military options [50444]. The autonomous Danish territory, rich in natural resources and increasingly important for Arctic security, has consistently stated it is not for sale [58539][50444]. Both the local Greenlandic government and the Danish government in Copenhagen have rejected the idea, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen previously calling it "absurd" [58539]. A prior proposal by Trump led to a diplomatic rift and the postponement of a planned state visit to Denmark [58539][50444]. Analysts describe Trump's approach as a conflation of genuine strategic interests with an unorthodox, expansionist vision [50444]. They note that the island's location between North America and Europe makes it valuable for defense and shipping, but that real estate pressure tactics are ill-suited to sovereignty issues [52669][58539]. Experts argue that tariff threats are a weak tool, as damaging Greenland's economy would likely harden resistance, and that any forced move could provoke backlash from other global powers active in the Arctic, like China and Russia [52669]. Despite the rejections, Trump has continued to promote the idea on the global stage, combining it with criticism of NATO allies he claims do not pay enough for collective defense [55297][55327]. The persistent campaign highlights a signature element of his foreign policy: the application of personal deal-making tactics to international diplomacy and territorial affairs [50444][54269]. Trump Tried to Buy Greenland, "One Way or the Other" Trump at Davos: Questions NATO, Wants to Buy Greenland Trump Eyes Greenland: Cash, Threats, and Military Force Trump at Davos: Boasts Economy, Repeats Bid for Greenland Trump at Davos: Skips Soft Power, Targets Greenland and NATO Allies Trump's Tariff Plan Fails to "Capture" Greenland