Archive · 8 Jan 2026

US Interest in Greenland: Historical Context and Current Tensions

US Interest in Greenland: Historical Context and Current Tensions

The United States has shown interest in acquiring Greenland for a long time.

This interest is due to Greenland's strategic location and its vast reserves of critical minerals.

The US has tried to buy Greenland in the past, but Denmark and Greenland have always said no.

Currently, the US has a defense agreement with Denmark that allows it to operate military bases in Greenland.

This agreement was made during the Cold War and has been updated to include Greenland's semi-autonomous government.

The US does not need to buy Greenland to have military access.

Greenland's leaders have said they are open to business partnerships but will not give up their sovereignty.

The US has been interested in Greenland since 1867, when it bought Alaska from Russia.

The US has tried to buy Greenland in 1910, 1946, 2019, and 2023, but Denmark and Greenland have always said no.

The US has a defense agreement with Denmark that allows it to operate military bases in Greenland.

This agreement was made during the Cold War and has been updated to include Greenland's semi-autonomous government.

The US does not need to buy Greenland to have military access.

Greenland's leaders have said they are open to business partnerships but will not give up their sovereignty.

Sources