Nationwide — Trump has once again expressed interest in buying Greenland, calling it a national security priority, though Denmark and Greenland insist it’s not for sale. The U.S. has eyed the island for over 150 years, with every attempt ultimately failing.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, sits between the U.S. and Europe. Its location along the Arctic-to-Atlantic GIUK gap makes it a strategic military and trade point. The island also holds rich natural resources, including oil, gas, and rare earth minerals, increasing its global importance.
American interest dates back to 1867, when Secretary of State William H. Seward, after purchasing Alaska, suggested Greenland and Iceland as future acquisitions. Officials highlighted Greenland’s long coastline, fishing grounds, and mineral wealth, seeing it as a way to “command the commerce of the world.” But no formal offer was ever made.
In 1910, a U.S. ambassador proposed trading a Philippine island for Greenland and other Danish territories. The idea went nowhere as global focus shifted toward World War I.
After World War II, in 1946, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold for Greenland. Denmark refused but allowed the U.S. to maintain military bases, including the current Pituffik Space Base. During the Cold War, Greenland remained a critical strategic outpost.
According to CNN, Trump first raised the idea publicly in 2019, calling it a “large real estate deal.” Both Greenland and Denmark rejected it outright. After the 2024 election, he revived the plan and even suggested military options, though Denmark and Greenland continue to refuse any sale.
Today, Greenland has home rule, giving it greater autonomy while remaining part of the Danish kingdom. The White House confirmed that acquiring Greenland remains a top national security priority, aimed at deterring rivals in the Arctic, but history shows every attempt to control the island has failed.