President Donald Trump is showing a strong interest in acquiring Greenland, stating in the Oval Office that the United States will do whatever it takes to obtain the Arctic territory. Vice President JD Vance and his wife are currently on a diplomatic visit to Greenland, attracting significant global attention.
Despite the enthusiasm from the White House, Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill, who would need to approve any potential deal, are not as enthusiastic about formally linking the United States to Earth’s largest island. Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., expressed skepticism, highlighting Denmark and Greenland residents’ objections to the idea as reasons why he finds it impractical.
Many GOP lawmakers, including Tillis, agree that the U.S. could benefit strategically from increased access to Greenland, particularly given its history of military presence on the island. However, most legislators do not support using military force or economic pressure to annex Greenland, a move that President Trump has not ruled out.
Senator Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., emphasized the need for diplomatic negotiations rather than imposition, acknowledging Greenland’s status as a quasi-sovereign territory. He suggested making offers and gestures to explore possibilities in a respectful manner.
President Trump’s interest in Greenland is part of a larger pattern of expansionist ideas, including proposals to annex the Panama Canal, Canada, and renaming the Gulf of Mexico. The strategic importance of Greenland in the Arctic Circle, with its access to vital minerals and energy resources, has attracted attention from major global players like China and Russia.
With melting ice opening up new shipping routes and the abundance of valuable resources in Greenland, President Trump views acquiring the territory as a priority. His administration has even floated the idea of purchasing Greenland from Denmark, similar to the U.S. acquisition of the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1917.
The visit to Greenland by Vice President Vance and others has stirred controversy both domestically and internationally, with concerns raised about the implications of the U.S. government’s intentions towards the territory.
Greenland, a semiautonomous island with authority over its foreign and defense policies, has faced proposals to become part of the United States. Despite being a longtime ally and founding member of NATO, Denmark has rejected the idea. The majority of Greenland’s population, desiring independence from Denmark, strongly opposes joining the United States, as do nearly half of Americans, according to a recent Yahoo! News poll. However, there is some Republican support for annexing Greenland. There are several possible paths for Greenland to formally join the U.S., such as voting for independence from Denmark and seeking statehood, negotiating a lease or purchase agreement with Denmark, or even facing the scenario of a U.S. invasion, which could trigger NATO involvement and require Congressional approval. Former President Trump expressed support for Greenland’s right to determine its future during a congressional address. Recent tensions arose when Second Lady Usha Vance and her son planned a visit to Greenland, perceived by locals as a provocation due to Trump’s interest in acquiring the territory. Despite differing views on potential annexation, many Greenlanders are open to U.S. investments in various industries while maintaining their opposition to a takeover. Republican lawmakers have shown some support for annexation, citing strategic benefits and resource acquisition. Legislation like the Make Greenland Great Again Act has been introduced but faces challenges in the Senate. Lawmakers emphasize the goal of making Greenland a strategic partner rather than coercing it into joining the U.S.
“According to Rep. Andy Barr, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, a Compact of Free Association similar to the one the U.S. has with the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Micronesia could serve as a good model for a strategic partnership with Greenland. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who oversees federal spending and the Pentagon in the Senate, expressed the sentiment that Greenland could become part of the United States if they desired, emphasizing that the decision ultimately rests with Greenland.
