Explained: Could Trump actually buy Greenland?
Donald Trump has again stated his intention for the US to take control of Greenland - going as far as saying Denmark should "give" it up for the "free world" (see our 17.25 post).
"Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our nation," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post yesterday.
It's not the first time he's expressed an interest.
He first signalled this idea in 2019 during his first term in office but a bid to buy the island was rejected.
But the strategically-important and mineral-rich island is an autonomous territory of Denmark and the Danes have not shown much appetite to sell.
'Greenland's future up to us'
Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede, who has recently stepped up a push for independence from Denmark, says the island is not for sale and it is up to its people to decide their future.
"While others, including Danes and Americans, are entitled to their opinions, we should not be caught up in the hysteria and let external pressures distract us from our path," he said today.
The island is a former colony of Denmark, but became a formal territory of the Nordic kingdom in 1953.
It is subject to the Danish constitution, meaning any change to its legal status needs a constitutional amendment.
In 2009, Greenland was granted self-governing autonomy, including the right to declare independence through a referendum.
But what if Greenland breaks from Denmark?
While most Greenlanders want independence, few see full independence as viable, given how their economy depends on EU-member Denmark.
One potential option could be to form a so-called "free association" pact with the US, similar to the status of Pacific island nations Micronesia, Palau and Marshall Islands.
Ulrik Pram Gad, an expert on Greenland at the Danish Institute for International Studies, said no Greenlander "wants to just switch to a new colonial master".
He finds it unlikely Greenland will vote for independence without ensuring the welfare of its population, though last week Mr Egede urged the population to break free from "the shackles of colonialism".
Why would Trump want Greenland?
Trump isn't the first US president to show an interest in the island.
While Greenland was still a colony, then-President Harry Truman tried to buy Greenland as a strategic asset during the Cold War for $100m in gold, which in today's money would be about $1.3bn.
Part of the interest is rooted in the US military and its ballistic missile early-warning system, since the shortest route from Europe to North America runs through the Arctic island.
The US also maintains a permanent presence at the Pituffik air base in the northwest.
The island also boasts mineral, oil and natural gas wealth, but its economy is mostly reliant on fishing, which accounts for 95% of exports.