Since 1981, Greenland has been a peaceful, self-governing territory under the Kingdom of Denmark. Today, forty-four years later, Donald Trump is currently attempting to break its autonomy and officially place Greenland under the control of the United States of America.
Despite pushback from the Danish government, which dismissed his offer as absurd, Trump continues to persist and has declined the option to rule out force, vowing to acquire Greenland no matter what. Trump’s attempt at “purchasing” Greenland comes amid his movements to annex Canada, impose economically impacting tariffs on China and return and prevent global immigrants from entering the United States. So, is this a strategic move to strengthen our country, or another ill-advised threat to our allies and international relations?
Ryan Ruud ‘28 was strongly opposed to the purchase and called it “Out of line and crazy.” He then continued, “There is no reason we need Greenland, business is reasonable, and annexing is insane.”
While many U.S. Citizens and Greenlanders align with Ruud’s view and dismiss it as being “insane,” the idea of the U.S. purchasing Greenland is not as far fetched as many are led to believe. The U.S. has been attempting to acquire Greenland since the 19th century, dating back to years such as 1867, 1910, 1946 and 1955. Additionally, during Trump’s first term in 2019, the U.S. yet again made an attempt at the purchase. In fact, an acquisition of Greenland could benefit the U.S. by allowing access to rare minerals, and, most importantly, making our presence better known in the Arctic, which could possibly strengthen U.S. security.
Spencer Witt ‘28 agreed with its benefits: “I think it would be a good plan as there are many natural resources there.” Despite this, he pointed out some of its flaws and explained, “I’m pretty sure Washington state is closer to Alaska than Maine is to Greenland and is in general a harder place to reach.”
But is there an alternative that perhaps would please both parties? Blake Meidel ‘28 believes there very well could be. He stated, “I would understand an agreement or treaty… the decision would make sense if it gave us an economic advantage for importing and exporting goods.”
Finally, in Trump’s continued push for a purchase, he left this message to a joint session of Congress and to the people of Greenland: “We will make [Greenland] rich, and together, we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before..” He addressed the citizens of Greenland directly, saying “And I also have a message tonight for the incredible people of Greenland… We strongly support your right to determine your own future.”
Whether you are in support of President Trump or not, we can all agree with him when he states that this decision will determine Greenland’s future. Whether it benefits or harms it, that remains up to your own notion.
Whatever may end up happening and shaping these countries’ futures, only time will tell.
