Can Trump buy Greenland for the US? Understand the new controversy

“For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” Trump wrote in Truth Social.

Trump, who takes office on January 20, did not provide further details about the statement.

The Danish government was not immediately available for comment.

Greenland, with its Pituffik air base, is strategically important to the US military and its ballistic missile early warning system, as the shortest route from Europe to North America passes through the island.

During his previous term, Trump expressed interest in purchasing Greenland in 2019, but the proposal was promptly rejected by Denmark and the island’s own authorities before any formal discussions could take place.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called Trump’s offer “absurd”, which led him to classify the rejection of the idea as “unpleasant” and subsequently cancel a visit to Copenhagen.