Trump’s Greenland purchase plan has been a U.S. ambition since 1868
When President-elect Donald Trump once more floated the idea of purchasing Greenland, reactions ranged from ridicule to intrigue. Critics dismissed the notion as another eccentric Trump proposal. However, history reveals that the United States’ interest in Greenland is far from new—it’s a strategy that dates back more than a century.
From territorial ambitions in the 19th century to Cold War military priorities, Greenland has repeatedly caught the attention of American policymakers. But while the U.S. has eyed Greenland as a strategic asset, the political and legal dynamics surrounding the island have evolved significantly over time. Today, Greenland has self-rule and the right to declare independence from Denmark, fundamentally altering the terms of such discussions. Arctic Today has compiled a timeline of key developments in the history of U.S. interest in acquiring Greenland.
A Timeline of Greenland’s Ownership and U.S. Interest
1823: Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine established U.S. opposition to European colonial expansion in the Americas. While it did not directly mention Greenland, the doctrine laid the groundwork for American territorial ambitions in the region.
1868: Early Negotiations
William H. Seward, then U.S. Secretary of State, pursued the acquisition of both Greenland and Iceland. Reports suggested that negotiations with Denmark for a $5.5 million purchase were nearly complete. However, no formal offer materialized.
1871-1872: Polaris Expedition
During the Polaris Expedition, American explorer Robert Peary claimed much of northern Greenland for the United States. Although these claims were unofficial, they underscored the strategic interest in the Arctic region.
1910: Renewed Proposals
U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Maurice Francis Egan discussed acquiring Greenland in 1910. While the idea gained traction in Washington, it did not progress to formal negotiations.
1917: A Trade with Denmark
In a notable exception to the Monroe Doctrine, the U.S. recognized Denmark’s ownership of Greenland in exchange for acquiring the Danish West Indies (now the U.S. Virgin Islands). This agreement was intended to bolster American control over the Caribbean and protect the Panama Canal.
1941: World War II Occupation
When Germany invaded Denmark, the U.S. landed armed forces in Greenland to secure the territory. Denmark, under occupation, agreed to the arrangement, and Greenland became a key American military asset during the war.
1946: The $100 Million Offer
In the post-war period, U.S. interest in Greenland intensified. President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million (equivalent to $1 billion today) in gold bullion for the island. Senator Owen Brewster called the purchase a “military necessity” for Arctic defense.
1953: Thule Air Base
As part of Operation Blue Jay, the U.S. constructed Thule Air Base in northern Greenland. The base became a vital hub during the Cold War, employing thousands of Greenlanders and hosting nearly 10,000 American personnel.
1979: Greenland Gains Home Rule
Greenlanders voted overwhelmingly in favor of home rule, leading to the establishment of a local parliament. This marked a turning point in Greenland’s autonomy, granting control over areas like education, health, fisheries, and the environment.
1985: Departure from the European Community
Greenland withdrew from the European Economic Community (EEC), reflecting its unique economic and political needs. The move further solidified Greenland’s distinct identity within the Kingdom of Denmark.
2009: Self-Governance Act
The Self-Governance Act recognized Greenlanders as a distinct people with the right to self-determination under international law. The agreement laid out a pathway to full independence, contingent on Greenland’s economic viability—particularly revenues from mineral extraction.
2019: Trump’s first Proposal
Inspired by discussions with advisor Ron Lauder, President Trump reportedly considered offering Denmark a trade involving Puerto Rico for Greenland. The proposal, discussed in the White House Situation Room, highlighted Greenland’s strategic importance and the enduring allure of its untapped resources.
2024: A Push for Independence
In February 2024, Greenland formally declared independence as its ultimate goal. While Denmark continues to provide significant subsidies, Greenland’s vast mineral wealth—including rare earth elements—offers the potential for economic self-sufficiency.
2025: Trump’s Renewed Interest
In late 2024, President-elect Trump reignited the discussion about purchasing Greenland. The idea reportedly originated from conversations between Trump and his pick for ambassador to Denmark, Ken Howery. Trump framed the proposal as a strategic investment to bolster U.S. Arctic dominance and access Greenland’s untapped natural resources. The renewed push, however, was met with skepticism from both Danish and Greenlandic leaders, who reiterated Greenland’s right to self-determination.
