Republican US Representatives have introduced the ‘Make Greenland Great Again Act’
A bill in the US House of Representatives, introduced by Representative Andy Ogles and ten co-sponsors, seeks to authorize President-elect Donald Trump to negotiate the purchase of Greenland from Denmark. This follows Trump’s statements suggesting Greenland’s acquisition is vital for national security, even hinting at the potential use of military or economic pressure. Greenland’s pro-independence leader has indicated a willingness to discuss the matter with Trump, despite concerns over his comments.
The bill, released Monday, would grant Trump the authority to initiate negotiations with Denmark immediately upon his January 20, 2025 inauguration. It explicitly states: “Congress hereby authorizes the President, beginning at 12:01 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 20, 2025, to seek to enter into negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark for the purchase of Greenland.”
Trump recently reiterated his desire to add Greenland to the US, questioning Denmark’s legal claim and asserting the US’s need for the island. He stated last week, “People really don’t even know if Denmark has any legal right to [Greenland], but if they do, they should give it up because we need it.”
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, reaffirmed Greenland’s pursuit of independence from Denmark, stating the Greenlandic people do not wish to be under Danish or American rule. However, Egede acknowledged the seriousness of Trump’s refusal to exclude the use of force and expressed a willingness to engage in discussions.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, has a history of Danish control, transitioning from a territory to home rule in 1979 and gaining the right to declare independence via referendum in 2009. Egede highlighted the universal desire for self-determination, noting that a vote on independence is forthcoming. He stressed, “The desire for independence, the wish to be in one’s own house, is probably understood by all people in the world,” adding that an independence vote “will come soon.”
Despite its small population (under 57,000) and largely icy landscape (80% ice coverage), Greenland possesses significant mineral resources including gold, silver, copper, and uranium, along with potential vast oil reserves in its territorial waters.
A recent Patriot Polling survey suggests that roughly 57% of Greenland’s population supports Trump’s proposal. This poll, conducted earlier this month and involving 416 respondents, coincided with a personal visit to the island by Donald Trump Jr.