President-elect Donald Trump is back at it, stirring up talk about the United States buying Greenland, the world’s largest island. You might be wondering—why would the US want Greenland? Well, it’s not just for its icy beauty.
Greenland, located between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, is 80% covered in ice and is home to a major US military base. The island is part of Denmark but gained more control over its own affairs in 1979, with a small population of about 56,000 people. Trump has openly expressed his desire to have Greenland as part of the US before his second term ends, even appointing PayPal co-founder Ken Howery as the US ambassador to Denmark to help push this idea forward.
Trump has argued that owning Greenland is crucial for national security and global freedom. But the idea isn’t new. In 2019, when Denmark rejected Trump’s offer to buy the island, he canceled his planned visit to Denmark.
In response to Trump’s renewed interest, Denmark is strengthening its defense in Greenland. They’re investing $1.5 billion to improve security, adding new patrol boats, drones, and—yes—elite sled dog teams. These dogs have been patrolling Greenland since WWII! Denmark is also upgrading airports to welcome fighter jets and boosting personnel to protect the island.
While Trump dreams of a US-controlled Greenland, Denmark’s government has made it clear that they have no intention of selling.
