A prominent international relations expert has suggested that former U.S. President Donald Trump might revisit his proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark if he were to secure a second term in the White House. However, according to the expert, Trump would only pursue such a course of action if he believed there was a realistic chance of it being successful.
The idea of acquiring Greenland was first floated by Trump in August 2019, when he confirmed reports of his interest in acquiring the Danish autonomous territory.
Trump envisioned the potential acquisition as a significant real estate transaction, expressing interest in accessing Greenland’s abundant natural resources and drawing parallels to historical events such as President Dwight Eisenhower’s incorporation of Alaska into the United States.
Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen swiftly dismissed the proposal as “absurd,” declaring that Greenland was not for sale.
Trump’s recent victories in Republican primary contests have reignited speculation about his potential policies for a second presidential term, prompting discussions about his stance on foreign affairs.
Trump (Credits: The Irish Times)
Alan Mendoza, the executive director of The Henry Jackson Society, a London-based think tank advocating for principles that uphold freedom in societies, remarked that Trump’s previous attempt to purchase Greenland was not as unconventional as it may seem at first glance.
Mendoza pointed out that the United States has a history of successfully engaging in territorial acquisitions, including transactions with Denmark in the past. He highlighted the strategic significance of Greenland, citing its potential importance in terms of resources and security, particularly given the changing dynamics in the Arctic region due to climate change.
While the United States has a history of territorial purchases dating back to the 19th century, Mendoza acknowledged that the prospect of Greenland agreeing to a sale to the U.S. during a potential second Trump term is unlikely.
He noted the staunch opposition from Denmark and the lack of enthusiasm among Greenlanders for relinquishing sovereignty. Mendoza emphasized that Trump would likely only pursue the idea if he believed there was a realistic chance of success, suggesting that options for achieving such a goal may be limited.
