Move over, Mar-a-Lago: Donald Trump reportedly keen to buy Greenland

Local media is reporting that aides close to US President Donald Trump say he’s ‘expressed interest’ in buying the Danish territory.

trump greenland

Source: The Feed

In news that, at this point, ranks fairly low down the 'surprise' meter, US President Donald Trump is reportedly keen to make a new real estate purchase: Greenland.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Mr Trump has "expressed interest" in buying the Scandinavian territory.

For those a little rusty on the geography, Greenland is a massive, mostly ice-covered island that sits between the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. Home to some 55,000 people, it's recognised as an autonomous, self-governing territory of Denmark.

"In meetings, at dinners and in passing conversations, Mr Trump has asked advisers whether the US can acquire Greenland, listened with interest when they discuss its abundant resources and geopolitical importance," the WSJ reported.
According to two of the people, has asked his White House counsel to look into the idea.
It's understood the US president has made the inquiries with "varying degrees of seriousness".

It would seem the internet’s not too keen on the idea.

This wouldn’t be the first time a US leader has made a bid for Greenland.

It's believed the US first looked into purchasing the island back in 1867.

In 1946, then-President Harry Truman put in an unsuccessful $100 million offer for the territory.

The United States has had an airbase on the island since 1943. It was initially established to protect Denmark from German forces, but now focuses on monitoring space.

Several US media outlets say they'd put in requests to the US State Department for comment, but are yet to receive a reply.

In any case, Mr Trump is due to visit Denmark next month. We're sure this will liven up official talks.

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Published 16 August 2019 2:04pm
By Elly Duncan


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