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

President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday stirred controversy 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 the U.S. ambassador to Denmark.In his announcement on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity. Ken will do a wonderful job in representing the interests of the United States. Thank you, Ken, and congratulations!”

This is not the first time that US has expressed its interest to buy the Greenland and it won’t be the first such instance where the country brought land from another sovereign country either.

Who owns Greenland

Trump’s remarks immediately sparked questions about Greenland’s sovereignty. While Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it operates as an autonomous territory with its own government. This home-rule government manages domestic affairs, including education, healthcare, 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 serves as the ceremonial head of state, while Greenland’s government is led by Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede (as of 2024).

Trump’s comments prompted 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

This isn’t the first time Trump has expressed interest in Greenland. In 2019, he sparked a diplomatic row with Denmark by raising the same issue. The U.S. has long shown interest in acquiring Greenland; in 1946, President Harry Truman offered $100 million for the island, and U.S. interest dates back to 1867.Historically, land acquisitions between nations without war are not uncommon. The U.S. has made significant purchases, including:

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

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 U.S. pursuing a large land purchase in the coming years, reigniting speculation about Greenland.