The Logistics Behind a Trump Purchase of Greenland | WSJ
Updated: January 17, 2025
Summary
President-elect Donald Trump has expressed interest in acquiring ownership of Greenland for national security reasons, renewing a pledge made in 2019. Greenland, once a Danish colony, holds self-governing powers but is still under Danish responsibility for domestic affairs and resources. While some Greenlanders welcome the attention Trump's interest brings to their island, there are concerns about Greenlanders making the decision for independence. The United States has a history of attempting to purchase Greenland for economic security, military presence, and strategic importance, with negotiations spanning various agreements.
Trump's Interest in Greenland
President-elect Donald Trump expresses interest in gaining ownership and control of Greenland for national security reasons. He renews a pledge made in 2019.
Greenland's Connection to Denmark
Greenland, a former Danish colony, is tied to Denmark symbolically and administratively, with self-governing powers but still under Danish responsibility for domestic issues and resources.
Greenlanders' Response to Trump's Interest
Some Greenlanders welcome Trump's interest as it brings attention to their island, but there are concerns about Greenland gaining independence and the decision being for Greenlanders.
Historical Attempts to Acquire Greenland
The United States has previously tried to buy Greenland and gain control through agreements, with discussions about economic security, military presence, and strategic importance.
FAQ
Q: What is the current political status of Greenland?
A: Greenland is a self-governing territory under the sovereignty of Denmark, with self-governing powers but still under Danish responsibility for domestic issues and resources.
Q: What is the historical relationship between the United States and Greenland?
A: The United States has previously tried to buy Greenland and gain control through agreements, with discussions about economic security, military presence, and strategic importance.
Q: How do some Greenlanders feel about President-elect Donald Trump's interest in gaining ownership of Greenland?
A: Some Greenlanders welcome Trump's interest as it brings attention to their island, but there are concerns about Greenland gaining independence and the decision being for Greenlanders.
Q: What is the significance of Greenland in terms of national security according to Trump's interest?
A: President-elect Donald Trump expresses interest in gaining ownership and control of Greenland for national security reasons, renewing a pledge made in 2019.
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