President-elect Trump has considered buying Greenland: Here’s every proposal in American history

The recent resurgence of interest in the United States purchasing Greenland under the incoming Trump administration has sparked a wave of speculation and debate. This idea, initially floated during Trump’s first term in office, has once again captured the public’s attention.

During his first term, Trump tweeted an image of coastal Greenland with a Photoshopped Trump tower added to the landscape, accompanied by a caption promising not to pursue such a development. In August 2019, Trump openly expressed his interest in acquiring Greenland, citing its strategic value and the strong relationship between the U.S. and Denmark, the country that currently owns Greenland.

While the idea was met with varying degrees of seriousness, it was ultimately put on hold when Joe Biden assumed office in 2021. However, following Trump’s recent victory, discussions surrounding the potential purchase of Greenland have resurfaced online.

Republican Congressman Mike Collins of Georgia recently posted an electoral map featuring Greenland as a territory voting GOP, hinting at a potential future acquisition. However, a member of the Danish parliament quickly dismissed the notion, stating that Denmark has no intention of selling Greenland to the United States.

This is not the first time the U.S. has considered purchasing Greenland. In 1946, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million for the territory, but the offer was rejected. Even earlier, in 1945, Senator Owen Brewster emphasized Greenland’s military significance, supported by American military leaders.

If Denmark were to agree to sell Greenland to the U.S., it would mark the largest expansion of American territory in history, surpassing the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. The historical context of American interest in Greenland dates back to the 19th century when the State Department explored buying both Greenland and Iceland for their strategic value.

The potential acquisition of Greenland remains a topic of interest and speculation, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Arctic region. As discussions continue, the future of Greenland’s status remains uncertain, with various stakeholders weighing in on the potential implications of such a significant transaction.