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

President-elect Donald Trump sparked controversy on Sunday when he suggested that the United States take “ownership” of Greenland, calling it an “absolute necessity.” The statement came as Trump nominated PayPal co-founder Ken Howery to be US ambassador to Denmark.In his announcement on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “For the purposes of national security and freedom around the world, the United States of America believes that ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” Ken will be at the representation do an excellent job of protecting the interests of the United States. Thanks, Ken, and congratulations!”

This is not the first time the US has expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, nor will it be the first time the country takes land from another sovereign country.

Who owns Greenland?

Trump’s comments immediately sparked questions about Greenland’s sovereignty. Although Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it functions as an autonomous territory with its own government. This house government manages internal affairs, including education, healthcare, natural resources and law enforcement, with Nuuk as the administrative capital.

Denmark retains control over foreign, defense and monetary policy, although Greenland is consulted on international agreements. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark serves as the ceremonial head of state, while the government of Greenland is led by Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede (as of 2024).

Trump’s comments sparked widespread reactions on social media. Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri joked on

Why Trump wants Greenland

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

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

Global land purchases include Pakistan, which acquired Gwadar from Oman for 5.5 billion Pakistani rupees in 1958, and France, which purchased Saint-Barthélemy from Sweden in 1878.

Earlier this month, Fox News reported on the possibility of the US pursuing a major land purchase in the coming years, reigniting speculation over Greenland.