Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in buying Greenland from Denmark fits into a long-standing pattern in American history. From quiet discussions after the U.S. Civil War to a $100 million offer after World War II, American leaders have repeatedly viewed Greenland as a strategic asset.
Over the past 158 years, the United States has made at least three attempts to bring Greenland under its control. Here’s the story behind those efforts:
1867–1868: Early Interest After the Alaska Purchase
After the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia, officials under Secretary of State William Seward discussed acquiring Greenland as part of a broader plan to expand American presence in the Arctic. Seward pointed out that the region was rich in natural resources, including coal. However, the idea never reached the stage of a formal proposal, as Congress had little interest in another Arctic acquisition.
1910: A Proposed Land Swap Involving Greenland
During the presidency of William Howard Taft, another attempt was made to bring Greenland into the United States. American diplomats proposed a land-exchange plan under which Greenland would be transferred to the U.S. in return for concessions elsewhere. Denmark rejected the proposal, and the plan was quickly abandoned.
1946: A Formal Purchase Offer After World War II
At the beginning of the Cold War, President Harry Truman’s administration formally offered Denmark $100 million in gold to purchase Greenland, citing its strategic importance. During World War II, the U.S. had built an airfield on the island that served as a major refueling stop for military aircraft traveling to Europe.
Denmark turned down Truman’s offer. However, the United States retained military access. That presence continues today at the remote Pituffik Space Base, which is the northernmost installation of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Why Is the U.S. So Keen on Greenland?
Greenland’s location is extremely important for the United States because it connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic. The island hosts a U.S. military base that plays a key role in missile defense. Greenland lies within the Arctic Circle, a region where major powers are competing for military and commercial dominance.
Greenland also has vast reserves of rare earth minerals, which are crucial for advanced technologies. China currently dominates this market, but the U.S. wants to gain an edge. Additionally, Greenland’s continental shelf may contain some of the largest untapped oil and gas reserves in the Arctic. Although the Danish government has refrained from oil and gas extraction due to environmental risks, these resources could still be of interest to the United States.