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The newly elected president of the United States, Donald Trump, has recently expressed renewed interest in purchasing Greenland, a move that has not sat well with the Danish.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that the "control" of the island is "an absolute necessity" for the United States.
"For reasons of national security and global freedom, the United States considers that the ownership and control of Greenland are essential," asserted the elected leader.
Trump made these statements during the appointment of Ken Howery as the new ambassador to Denmark, highlighting his experience as a co-founder of PayPal and his performance as ambassador to Sweden during his first term.
According to Trump, Howery "will do a magnificent job representing the interests of the United States" and has highlighted his track record as a world-renowned businessman and public servant.
Response from Greenland and Denmark
The Prime Minister of Greenland, Mutue Egede, has categorically rejected any possibility of selling the island, although he expressed openness to international cooperation.
"Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and never will be [...] However, we must remain open to trade with everyone, especially our neighbors, since not all trade can go through Denmark," Egede stated to the Jyllands-Posten newspaper.
For their part, several political figures in Greenland have described Trump's statements as "very disrespectful."
Although the Danish government has not made an official statement, this episode recalls the tensions that arose during Trump's first term when he expressed his desire to purchase Greenland on several occasions.
In 2019, Trump attempted to negotiate the purchase of the island amid a context in which China was increasing its investments in Greenland.
He even managed to block Beijing's involvement in the construction of airports on the island.
However, the refusal of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen led Trump to cancel an official visit to Denmark, describing the country as "very special" but lamenting the lack of willingness to negotiate.
Greenland: A Strategic and Military Key
With a population of approximately 56,000 people, Greenland is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Although Copenhagen manages its foreign policy and defense, the island has a local government that oversees most internal affairs.
In addition, the United States maintains the Thule military base in Greenland, a key component of its global radar and defense system.
A controversial proposal: Should we exchange Greenland for Puerto Rico?
A former official of the Department of Homeland Security, Miles Taylor, revealed that in 2018, Trump suggested the possibility of exchanging Greenland for Puerto Rico, arguing that "Puerto Rico was dirty and the people were poor."
This statement was made prior to a trip by U.S. officials to the island to coordinate recovery efforts after Hurricane Maria.
This is not the first time that the United States has considered acquiring Greenland.
In both 1867 and 1946, formal offers were made, including a proposal from President Harry S. Truman to purchase the island for 100 million dollars, both of which were rejected by Denmark.
Trump's renewed interest in Greenland underscores his view of the island as a strategic point in the North Atlantic, crucial for national security and the geopolitical ambitions of the United States.
Trump's renewed interest in buying Greenland comes just after he threatened Panama with demanding the return of the Canal.
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