President-elect Donald Trump’s Republican allies in the House of Representatives have introduced legislation to authorise negotiations for the United States to purchase Greenland. The bill, spearheaded by Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee, is titled the Make Greenland Great Again Act and comes as Trump prepares to assume office for a second term on January 20.
The move echoes Trumpās 2019 proposal to acquire the Danish territory during his first presidency. The idea, initially dismissed as unrealistic, has resurfaced as a central element of Trumpās foreign policy ambitions. Ogles describes the initiative as essential to advancing American security and economic interests, signalling a shift in the nation’s international strategy following the Biden administration.
Legislation Details
According to the bill, the sitting president would be authorised to initiate talks with Denmark concerning the acquisition of Greenland shortly after being sworn in. The legislation mandates that any agreement reached must be submitted to relevant congressional committees within five days, along with all associated documentation.
“Joe Biden took a blowtorch to our reputation these past four years,” Ogles said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Before even taking office, President Trump is telling the world that America First is back.” Ogles argued that Greenlandās acquisition would strengthen the United States’ geopolitical position, particularly in relation to Russia.
Ten House Republicans have co-sponsored the bill, including notable figures such as Dan Crenshaw of Texas, Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, and Brian Babin of Texas, the incoming chairman of the House Science Committee.
Strategic Importance of Greenland
Greenland, the worldās largest island, is strategically positioned between North America and Europe. Its location near the Arctic makes it critical for monitoring Russian military activity and accessing natural resources. Supporters of the proposal view Greenland as a key asset in countering Russian influence and enhancing U.S. defence capabilities in the region.
The U.S. military already maintains a presence in Greenland through Thule Air Base, which supports missile warning systems and satellite tracking. Acquiring the territory would expand this footprint and provide additional leverage in Arctic affairs, an increasingly contested area due to climate change and resource exploration.
Denmarkās Position
Despite the strategic rationale outlined by proponents, Denmark has consistently rejected the idea of selling Greenland. In 2019, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed Trump’s initial proposal as āabsurd,ā reaffirming Greenlandās integral status within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Greenlandās government, which enjoys significant autonomy under Danish sovereignty, has also expressed no interest in such negotiations. Any serious attempt to purchase the island would likely face significant political and legal hurdles.
Broader Foreign Policy Moves
The renewed focus on Greenland comes as Trump and his allies hint at other bold geopolitical plans. Last week, Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota introduced legislation to authorise negotiations for purchasing the Panama Canal. While specifics of that proposal remain unclear, it underscores a broader ambition to reassert American influence in key strategic regions.
Trump himself has not ruled out more aggressive measures to achieve these goals. When asked about the possibility of using economic or military coercion, the president-elect responded ambiguously, saying, āNo, I can’t assure you on either of those two.ā
Public and Political Reaction
The revival of the Greenland proposal has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters within the Republican Party have lauded it as a forward-thinking move to bolster national security. Critics, however, have questioned its feasibility and the message it sends to international allies.
The Danish government has yet to issue an official response to the new legislation. However, given past reactions, a firm rejection is expected.
Meanwhile, the proposal has sparked conversations about U.S. territorial expansion, a topic largely absent from modern political discourse. The concept has drawn comparisons to historical acquisitions such as Alaska, purchased from Russia in 1867, and the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
