Donald Trump’s interest in buying Greenland is back in the spotlight. How much did Trump offer to buy Greenland during his first proposal?
When he floated the idea in 2019, the Danish prime minister called it “absurd.” But now, with Trump potentially returning to the White House, Danish officials are taking the matter more seriously.
Could the U.S actually buy Greenland? Let’s break it down.
Why Does Trump Want to Buy Greenland?
Trump has long argued that Greenland is vital for U.S. national security. The island is strategically located between North America and Europe.
It’s home to Thule Air Base, the U.S.’s northernmost military facility. This base plays a critical role in missile defense and surveillance.
Beyond defense, Greenland has vast natural resources. Rare earth minerals, essential for high-tech products, are abundant there.
Climate change is melting Arctic ice. New shipping routes are opening up.
Economic opportunities are emerging. To Trump, Greenland is more than just land. It’s a key geopolitical and economic asset.
How Much Did Trump Offer to Buy Greenland?
In 1946, the U.S. tried to buy Greenland for $100 million, equal to about $1.2 billion today. Trump’s 2019 offer was reportedly much higher.
While the exact figure hasn’t been confirmed, estimates suggest he was willing to pay between $10 billion and $20 billion.
Greenland and Denmark, however, quickly rejected the proposal. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede was firm: “Greenland is not for sale. It belongs to its people.”
Could the U.S. Still Try to Buy Greenland?
The U.S. has shown interest in Greenland for over a century. After buying Alaska in 1867, America also attempted to acquire Greenland, but the deal never materialized.
In 2019, Trump reignited the idea, calling it essential for U.S. security and economic growth. With his renewed focus on Greenland, Danish officials are being more cautious.
Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has suggested discussing closer ties with the U.S. However, selling Greenland remains out of the question.
How Have Denmark and Greenland Reacted?
Danish leaders are trying to balance diplomacy and sovereignty. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen insists that Greenland belongs to its people.
She also emphasized Denmark’s strong partnership with the U.S., hoping to avoid unnecessary tensions.
Greenland’s leadership, however, has been firm. They don’t want to be part of a political tug-of-war.
Greenlanders are proud of their autonomy and are increasingly pushing for independence from Denmark.
Why Greenland Matters to the U.S.
Greenland’s location makes it a key player in Arctic geopolitics. It provides the shortest route between North America and Europe.
Its strategic position is crucial for monitoring Russian and Chinese activities in the region.
With melting ice caps, the Arctic is becoming more accessible for trade and resource extraction.
This has amplified global interest in Greenland, making it a hotly contested area.
For the U.S., maintaining influence in Greenland is vital for staying ahead of rivals like China and Russia.
What’s Next?
Trump’s Greenland ambitions have sparked debates globally. While the idea of buying Greenland may seem far-fetched, it highlights the island’s strategic importance.
For now, Greenland remains focused on independence, and Denmark has no plans to sell.
Still, Trump’s comments have put Greenland in the spotlight. The U.S., Denmark, and Greenland will likely continue discussions about cooperation, but a sale seems highly unlikely.
In the end, Greenland’s future will be decided by its people, not by a price tag. Whether it’s $1 billion or $20 billion, the answer is clear: Greenland isn’t for sale.
