President-elect Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland has been the subject of headlines and controversy for months. Now, the story has taken a dramatic turn with reports that Denmark has sent private messages to Trump, signaling a willingness to discuss America’s military presence in the Arctic region.
A report published by Axios on Saturday claims that Denmark, which oversees Greenland’s defense, reached out to Trump through confidential channels. According to two unnamed sources cited in the report, the messages expressed Denmark’s openness to bolstering the U.S. military’s presence in Greenland.
This development follows Trump’s refusal last week to rule out using military force as a means to acquire Greenland. The president-elect also mentioned the possibility of gaining control of the Panama Canal, raising eyebrows both domestically and abroad.
Trump’s interest in Greenland has been widely discussed, with supporters pointing to the island’s strategic location and untapped resources. National Review editor-in-chief Rich Lowry recently penned an op-ed in the New York Post describing the push for Greenland as “smart geopolitics.”
Adding to the intrigue, Donald Trump Jr. and conservative activist Charlie Kirk made headlines this week by visiting Greenland, fueling speculation about potential negotiations.
Meanwhile, historical comparisons have emerged in discussions about Greenland’s potential acquisition. Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman has likened Trump’s proposal to previous U.S. territorial expansions, such as the Louisiana Purchase and the acquisition of Alaska.
While Trump’s interest in Greenland has garnered significant support among Republicans, Senator Fetterman is one of the few prominent Democrats to entertain the idea—though he strongly opposes using military force.
Speaking to Fox News on January 7, Fetterman said, “There’s a lot of talk about Greenland, and I know there’s a lot of freakouts. Of course, I would never support taking it by force.”
Instead, Fetterman suggested that acquiring Greenland through diplomatic negotiations or outright purchase could be a “responsible conversation.”
Fetterman pushed back against critics who have dismissed the idea as absurd. “If anyone thinks that’s bonkers, it’s like, well, remember the Louisiana Purchase,” Fetterman said, referencing the historic 1803 deal in which President Thomas Jefferson acquired vast territory from France.
The senator also noted the purchase of Alaska in 1867, which was initially mocked as “Seward’s Folly.” “I think Alaska was a pretty great deal too, $50 million, I think it was,” Fetterman added.
Greenland’s vast resources and critical geographic location have made it a valuable asset in global geopolitics. The Arctic island is rich in rare earth minerals, which are essential for modern technology, and its location offers strategic advantages for military and shipping routes.
Trump’s advocacy for Greenland has reignited debates over U.S. territorial expansion and the role of diplomacy in advancing national interests.
While Denmark’s alleged secret messages and Trump’s ambitions for Greenland remain shrouded in uncertainty, the topic continues to generate debate across the political spectrum. Questions persist about whether such a deal is feasible or if it could strain U.S.-Danish relations.
As Trump prepares to assume office, the discussions surrounding Greenland are likely to remain a focal point of his administration’s foreign policy. Whether through purchase, negotiation, or military posturing, Greenland has become a surprising centerpiece in the broader conversation about America’s future on the global stage.
For now, both supporters and critics await further developments as this extraordinary geopolitical story unfolds.
