Trump’s Proposal for the U.S. to Buy Greenland

In 2019, Donald Trump proposed that the United States explore buying Greenland, citing the island’s strategic importance for national security. Greenland sits in a key Arctic position for missile warning and space defense and holds significant rare earth and critical mineral resources. Estimates suggested a potential price as high as $700 billion, with claims circulating that residents could receive $10,000–$100,000 each, though no official plan was announced. The U.S. operates one military base on the island — Pituffik Space Base. The proposal drew attention as the U.S. has previously expanded territory through purchases including the Louisiana Purchase, Alaska, and land that became New Mexico.