Washington DC
February 1, 2025
The idea of the United States purchasing Greenland has resurfaced in geopolitical discussions, with historian and writer Mike Coté making the case for why such a move would benefit the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland alike. While critics dismiss the idea as impractical or outdated, Coté argues that acquiring Greenland could strengthen America’s economy, national security, and strategic influence in the Arctic.
A Longstanding Idea with Historical Precedent
The concept of the U.S. buying Greenland is not new. Since 1867, multiple American administrations have explored the possibility. The most serious attempt came in 1946, when President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold and oil rights in Alaska for Greenland. The U.S. also successfully purchased the Danish West Indies (now the U.S. Virgin Islands) in 1917 for $25 million, demonstrating that such territorial transactions have historical precedent.
According to Coté, America’s reluctance to expand territorially after World War II should not prevent it from pursuing strategic acquisitions today. He points to Britain’s recent loss of control over the Chagos Islands—a key U.S. military outpost in the Indian Ocean—as a cautionary tale. If Greenland remains under Danish control, its future could become uncertain.
Economic and Strategic Potential
Greenland, the world’s largest island, possesses vast untapped reserves of rare earth minerals, fossil fuels, and natural gas—resources that are critical for military technology, clean energy, and global supply chains. Coté argues that American investment and innovation could develop Greenland’s resource potential far more effectively than Denmark can.
Beyond its economic benefits, Greenland’s location is strategically vital. As Arctic ice melts, new shipping lanes are opening, making the region a critical battleground for global trade and military presence. Russia and China have heavily invested in expanding their influence in the Arctic, militarizing the region and eyeing economic opportunities. Owning Greenland would allow the U.S. to counter these threats directly, ensuring dominance in the Arctic.
Furthermore, Greenland is already home to Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), a key U.S. military installation for space surveillance, missile defense, and Arctic security. Strengthening America’s military presence there would enhance homeland defense capabilities, particularly in missile interception.
A Win-Win for Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S.?
Denmark currently spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually to maintain Greenland, funds that could be redirected toward defending Europe against Russian aggression. Coté suggests that a U.S. purchase would relieve Denmark of this financial burden while strengthening NATO’s overall defense posture.
For Greenlanders, U.S. citizenship would bring better economic opportunities, improved infrastructure, and stronger security guarantees. Rather than immediate statehood, Greenland could become a U.S. territory with substantial local autonomy, similar to Puerto Rico or Guam. A sovereign wealth fund, modeled after Alaska’s Permanent Fund, could distribute annual dividends to residents from Greenland’s natural resource revenues.
The Challenge: Negotiating the Deal
Both Denmark and Greenland’s local government have expressed reluctance to consider a sale, but Coté argues that diplomatic negotiations, economic incentives, and security assurances could bring them to the table. He suggests that the U.S. should not rule out economic or diplomatic pressure if it means securing a deal beneficial to all parties.
The Bigger Picture: America’s Future in the Arctic
Acquiring Greenland would align with long-term U.S. interests by strengthening national security, controlling valuable resources, and expanding America’s geopolitical reach. Coté believes that, rather than being a relic of the past, territorial expansion should be revisited as a strategic tool to keep America competitive in the 21st century.
As he puts it:
“To Make America Great Again, we have to Make America Grow Again. Buying Greenland is the perfect place to start.”