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President-elect Donald Trump hasn’t ruled out military action in his pledge for control of Greenland. Trump says the U.S. needs the island for “national security purposes,” but Greenland has been tied both politically and culturally with Denmark for decades. The Arctic island has vast deposits in rare earths, oil and gas, also making it a focal point for other rivals including China and Russia. But can Trump actually purchase the territory from Denmark?
WSJ explores why any U.S. bid for the Danish territory is complicated and controversial.
Chapters: 0:00 Trump and Greenland 0:31 Navigating Danish diplomacy 1:20 Greenland’s independence 2:20 Congress’s approval if Trump makes a deal 3:03 Military action and economic policy 3:44 Expansion of military presence
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Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland faces substantial structural obstacles (Danish sovereignty, Greenlandic opposition, Congressional ratification), though some analysts suggest alternative approaches like military expansion or free association agreements could be more realistic paths to increased U.S. influence in the Arctic.
- Greenland remains under Danish control for defense/security despite self-governance, requiring consent from both governments
- Even if independent, Greenlanders have stated the island is 'not for sale' and prefer not to trade Danish governance for U.S. control
- A full acquisition would require 2/3 Congressional ratification, a high bar with limited historical precedent (Alaska 1867, failed Truman offer 1946)
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The Truman Administration did not need to proceed with purchasing Greenland because NATO was created three years later (in 1949), which formed the basis for the U.S. to sign its first defense agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark in 1951, allowing creation of the U.S. northernmost military base in Northwest Greenland
“The reason that the Truman Administration didn't need to go forward is because NATO was created three years later, and that was the basis by which the United States signed, in 1951, our first defense agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark, which allowed us to create our northern-most military base in Northwest Greenland.”
The Truman Administration did not need to move forward with purchasing Greenland because NATO was created three years after Truman's offer (1946), which became the basis for the U.S.-Denmark defense agreement signed in 1951 that allowed the U.S. to create its northernmost military base in Northwest Greenland.
“The reason that the Truman Administration didn't need to go forward is because NATO was created three years later, and that was the basis by which the United States signed, in 1951, our first defense agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark, which allowed us to create our northern-most military base in Northwest Greenland.”
Following Trump's latest comments about acquiring Greenland, Denmark's King unveiled a change to the centuries-old Crown's Coat of Arms design, making the segment representing Greenland more prominent
“Following Trump's latest comments, Denmark's King unveiled a change to the centuries-old design, making the segment representing Greenland more prominent.”
If Trump managed to make a deal to acquire Greenland, two-thirds of Congress would have to ratify a treaty before the takeover would be signed into law by the President
“But if Trump did manage to make a deal, analysts say 2/3 of Congress would have to ratify a treaty before the takeover would be signed into law by the President.”
Following World War II in 1946, U.S. President Harry Truman offered to buy Greenland for $100 million, and Denmark refused to sell
“Following World War II in 1946, U.S. President Harry Truman offered to buy it for $100 million. Denmark refused to sell.”
An expert states that Greenland is 'quite essential for the homeland security of the United States,' having been strategically important since World War II to prevent Nazi Germany from invading the U.S. and to counter Soviet strategic bombers and submarines.
“Greenland is quite essential for the homeland security of the United States. It has been that way certainly since the Second World War to prevent Nazi Germany from invading the United States, the Soviet Union, strategic bombers, Russian submarines.”
Even some of Trump's advisors acknowledge that a full Greenland takeover is unlikely
“Even some of Trump's advisors acknowledge a Greenland takeover is unlikely.”
Following Trump's latest comments about Greenland, Denmark's King unveiled a change to the centuries-old Crown's Coat of Arms design, making the segment representing Greenland more prominent.
“Following Trump's latest comments, Denmark's King unveiled a change to the centuries-old design, making the segment representing Greenland more prominent.”
Some Greenlanders are welcoming Trump's interest in Greenland as a way to pursue independence from Denmark, including prominent online influencers.
“Some Greenlanders are welcoming Trump's interest as a way to pursue that goal. That includes one of the island's most prominent online influencers.”
Although Greenland now has powers of self-governance, it is still bound to Danish approval on certain issues, and Denmark maintains responsibility for national defense and security while the Greenlandic Government has responsibility and control over domestic issues and resources
“Although Greenland now has powers to self-govern, the island is still bound to Danish approval on certain issues... And Denmark maintains responsibility for national defense and security. While on the same time, the Greenlandic Government has responsibility and control over domestic issues and domestic resources.”
Under the current framework, Trump would need to convince both the Danish government and the government of Greenland to agree to any deal for acquiring the territory
“So, under the current framework, Trump would need to convince both the Danish government and government of Greenland to agree to a deal.”
A U.S. military base in Northwest Greenland still exists today and includes a radar station that is part of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Early Warning System
“That base, which still exists today, includes a radar station that is part of the U.S.' Ballistic Missile Early Warning System.”
Greenland has vast deposits of rare earths, oil, and gas, making it a focal point for strategic competition with other major rivals including China and Russia
“Greenland has vast deposits in rare earths, oil, and gas, also making it a focal point for other major rivals, including China and Russia.”
Although Greenland now has powers to self-govern, the island remains bound to Danish approval on certain issues, with Denmark maintaining responsibility for national defense and security while Greenland has control over domestic issues and resources.
“Although Greenland now has powers to self-govern, the island is still bound to Danish approval on certain issues. And Denmark maintains responsibility for national defense and security. While on the same time, the Greenlandic Government has responsibility and control over domestic issues and domestic resources.”
Greenland has vast deposits of rare earths, oil, and gas, making it a focal point for strategic competition with other major rivals including China and Russia.
“Greenland has vast deposits in rare earths, oil, and gas, also making it a focal point for other major rivals, including China and Russia.”
The U.S. military base in Greenland includes a radar station that is part of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Early Warning System.
“That base, which still exists today, includes a radar station that is part of the U.S.' Ballistic Missile Early Warning System.”
The United States does not need to purchase Greenland to maintain its security interests there, as it has a robust security and economic relationship with the Kingdom of Denmark that can be deepened through greater investment.
“We don't need to purchase Greenland to to do that. We have a robust security defense and economic relationship with the Kingdom of Denmark. They have been open for business for quite some time. We just have to deepen that investment. It's the right thing to do, but we certainly don't have to purchase it.”
Even if Greenland gained independence, analysts say purchasing it is farfetched because Greenlanders are not interested in swapping their relationship with Denmark for one with the United States.
“However, even if Greenland gained independence, analysts say purchasing it is farfetched. This decision about Greenland is for Greenlanders. I don't believe the Greenlanders are interested in swapping one relationship with Denmark for the United States.”
Greenland, a former Danish colony, has been tied to Denmark both politically and culturally for centuries, including hosting visits from the Danish Royal Family and appearing symbolically in the Crown's Coat of Arms
“Greenland, a former Danish colony, has been tied to Denmark, both politically and culturally for centuries. It's hosted multiple visits from the Danish Royal Family and features symbolically in the Crown's Coat of Arms.”
In 1867, President Andrew Johnson gained control of Alaska from Russia in a deal that cost the U.S. $7.2 million, equivalent to around $138 million in modern currency
“In 1867, Andrew Johnson gained control of what is now known as Alaska from Russia in a deal which cost the U.S. $7.2 million, equivalent to around 138 million today.”
Greenland has been tied to Denmark both politically and culturally for centuries, including hosting visits from the Danish Royal Family and featuring symbolically in the Crown's Coat of Arms.
“Greenland, a former Danish colony, has been tied to Denmark, both politically and culturally for centuries. It's hosted multiple visits from the Danish Royal Family and features symbolically in the Crown's Coat of Arms.”
If Trump managed to make a deal to acquire Greenland, 2/3 of Congress would have to ratify a treaty before the takeover would be signed into law by the President.
“But if Trump did manage to make a deal, analysts say 2/3 of Congress would have to ratify a treaty before the takeover would be signed into law by the President.”
Following World War II in 1946, U.S. President Harry Truman offered to buy Greenland for $100 million, but Denmark refused to sell.
“Following World War II in 1946, U.S. President Harry Truman offered to buy it for $100 million. Denmark refused to sell.”
In 1867, President Andrew Johnson gained control of what is now known as Alaska from Russia in a deal which cost the U.S. $7.2 million, equivalent to around $138 million in modern terms.
“In 1867, Andrew Johnson gained control of what is now known as Alaska from Russia in a deal which cost the U.S. $7.2 million, equivalent to around 138 million today.”
Trump has not ruled out taking military action to gain control of Greenland.
“So far, Trump hasn't floated a concrete figure for any purchase. Instead, another option he has not ruled out is taking military action.”
When asked if he could assure the world that he would not use military or economic coercion to gain control of Panama and Greenland, Trump responded that he could not provide such assurance, stating 'We need them for economic security.'
“Can you assure the world that as you try to get control of these areas, you are not gonna use military or economic coercion? No, I can't assure you. You're talking about Panama and Greenland. No, I can't assure you on either of those two, but I can say this. We need them for economic security.”
If Greenland's connections to Denmark were to detangle through independence—a movement that has been gaining momentum in recent years—Trump could directly negotiate with Greenland without requiring Danish approval.
“But if those connections were to detangle through independence, a movement which has been gaining momentum in recent years, Trump could directly negotiate with Greenland.”
Under the current framework, Trump would need to convince both the Danish government and the government of Greenland to agree to any acquisition deal.
“So, under the current framework, Trump would need to convince both the Danish government and government of Greenland to agree to a deal.”
President-elect Donald Trump wants to gain ownership and control of Greenland, renewing a pledge he first made in 2019
“President-elect Donald Trump says he wants to wrestle 'ownership and control' of Greenland, renewing a pledge he first made in 2019”
Trump has suggested leveraging economic policy, including threatening Denmark with tariffs, to achieve his goals in Greenland if Danish officials do not cooperate with his takeover bid
“Trump has also suggested leveraging economic policy to achieve his goals in Greenland. He's threatened to hit Denmark with tariffs if Danish officials don't cooperate with his takeover bid.”
Trump has suggested leveraging economic policy to achieve his goals in Greenland, specifically threatening to hit Denmark with tariffs if Danish officials don't cooperate with his Greenland takeover bid.
“Trump has also suggested leveraging economic policy to achieve his goals in Greenland. He's threatened to hit Denmark with tariffs if Danish officials don't cooperate with his takeover bid.”
President-elect Donald Trump has renewed his pledge to gain 'ownership and control' of Greenland for national security purposes, citing security interests he claims he's been told about for a long time.
“President-elect Donald Trump says he wants to wrestle 'ownership and control' of Greenland, renewing a pledge he first made in 2019.”
Greenland is essential to U.S. homeland security for strategic reasons going back to World War II—originally to prevent Nazi Germany from invading the U.S., and later to counter Soviet strategic bombers and Russian submarines
“Greenland is quite essential for the homeland security of the United States. It has been that way certainly since the Second World War to prevent Nazi Germany from invading the United States, the Soviet Union, strategic bombers, Russian submarines.”
The Government of Greenland has stated that Greenland is 'not for sale.'
“Plus the Government of Greenland has said, 'It's not for sale.'”
The Government of Greenland has stated that Greenland is 'not for sale'
“Plus the Government of Greenland has said, 'It's not for sale.'”
Even some of Trump's advisors acknowledge that a Greenland takeover is unlikely.
“Even some of Trump's advisors acknowledge a Greenland takeover is unlikely.”
The United States must prioritize the Arctic and ensure the strongest possible defense and deterrence in the region.
“The United States has to prioritize the Arctic and making sure that we have the strongest possible defense and deterrence.”
A more realistic option the U.S. could pursue is a compact of free association agreement similar to agreements the U.S. has with Micronesia and other Pacific island nations, which would allow the U.S. to expand access and influence while providing safety and security for the Greenlandic people
“And I think, finally, the other option, which I think is more realistic, the U.S. could pursue a compact of free association agreement, agreements like we have with Micronesia and some of the other island Pacific nations, right? This approach would allow the United States to expand our access and influence, but also while providing safety and security for the Greenlandic people.”
Even if Greenland gained independence, analysts say purchasing it is farfetched, with Greenlanders not interested in swapping their relationship with Denmark for the United States
“However, even if Greenland gained independence, analysts say purchasing it is farfetched... I don't believe the Greenlanders are interested in swapping one relationship with Denmark for the United States.”
If Greenland gained independence through movements that have been gaining momentum in recent years, Trump could directly negotiate with Greenland without requiring Danish approval
“But if those connections were to detangle through independence, a movement which has been gaining momentum in recent years, Trump could directly negotiate with Greenland.”
A more realistic option than full acquisition would be for the U.S. to pursue a 'compact of free association' agreement with Greenland, similar to agreements the U.S. has with Micronesia and other Pacific island nations, which would allow the U.S. to expand access and influence while providing safety and security for Greenlanders.
“And I think, finally, the other option, which I think is more realistic, the U.S. could pursue a compact of free association agreement, agreements like we have with Micronesia and some of the other island Pacific nations, right? This approach would allow the United States to expand our access and influence, but also while providing safety and security for the Greenlandic people.”
Some Greenlanders are welcoming Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland as a way to pursue Greenlandic independence from Denmark
“Some Greenlanders are welcoming Trump's interest as a way to pursue that goal. That includes one of the island's most prominent online influencers.”
A prominent Greenlandic online influencer states that U.S. interest in Greenland increases global attention to the island and feelings that 'us getting the attention is speeding up our independence of Greenland from Denmark'
“When I look overall, I'm happy that U.S. is showing this much interest in Greenland because this way we are being heard much, much more around the world. It feels like us getting the attention is speeding up our independence of Greenland from Denmark.”
Trump has not ruled out using military action as an option to gain control of Greenland
“Instead, another option he has not ruled out is taking military action.”
When asked if he can assure the world that the U.S. will not use military or economic coercion to gain control of Panama and Greenland, Trump stated 'No, I can't assure you' on either, justifying this by saying 'We need them for economic security'
“Can you assure the world that as you try to get control of these areas, you are not gonna use military or economic coercion?... No, I can't assure you. You're talking about Panama and Greenland. No, I can't assure you on either of those two, but I can say this. We need them for economic security.”
Trump advisors propose instead an expansion of U.S. presence on Greenland through economic investments and a larger military footprint as a more realistic alternative to full takeover
“They say instead, an expansion of U.S. presence on the island through economic investments and a larger military footprint is a possibility.”
A prominent Greenlandic online influencer stated that increased U.S. interest in Greenland is making the island heard much more around the world and feels like it's speeding up Greenland's independence from Denmark.
“When I look overall, I'm happy that U.S. is showing this much interest in Greenland because this way we are being heard much, much more around the world. It feels like us getting the attention is speeding up our independence of Greenland from Denmark.”
An unnamed official argues that the U.S. need not purchase Greenland to achieve military objectives because the U.S. already has a base in Greenland that is extremely important to U.S. interests and a strong ally and partner relationship with the Kingdom of Denmark
“You know, the thought about, you know, invasion, but we're invading ourselves. We have a base that is right there, and it's so important to the United States. And again, we have the strongest ally and partner in the Kingdom of Denmark.”
The United States must prioritize the Arctic and ensuring it has the strongest possible defense and deterrence against strategic competitors
“The United States has to prioritize the Arctic and making sure that we have the strongest possible defense and deterrence.”
The U.S. does not need to purchase Greenland to achieve its Arctic defense and deterrence goals, as the U.S. already has a robust security and economic relationship with Denmark
“We don't need to purchase Greenland to to do that. We have a robust security defense and economic relationship with the Kingdom of Denmark.”
The U.S. should deepen its security and economic investments with Denmark and Greenland rather than attempt to purchase the territory
“They have been open for business for quite some time. We just have to deepen that investment. It's the right thing to do, but we certainly don't have to purchase it.”
Trump justifies wanting Greenland by citing national security purposes, claiming he has been told this for a long time
“Well, we need Greenland for national security purposes. I've been told that for a long time.”
An expert states that the U.S. is 'invading ourselves' with the military base in Greenland and emphasizes the base's importance to U.S. security, while also stating that the Kingdom of Denmark is the U.S.'s 'strongest ally and partner.'
“You know, the thought about, you know, invasion, but we're invading ourselves. We have a base that is right there, and it's so important to the United States. And again, we have the strongest ally and partner in the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Trump's advisors suggest that instead of a full takeover, the U.S. could pursue an expansion of presence on Greenland through economic investments and a larger military footprint.
“They say instead, an expansion of U.S. presence on the island through economic investments and a larger military footprint is a possibility.”
Trump has not floated a concrete financial figure for any potential Greenland purchase
“So far, Trump hasn't floated a concrete figure for any purchase.”
It is unclear how taking control of Greenland would actually be achieved through any proposed method
“Ultimately, it isn't clear how taking control of Greenland would be achieved.”
It is not clear how taking control of Greenland would actually be achieved by Trump.
“Ultimately, it isn't clear how taking control of Greenland would be achieved.”