Buy Greenland? Take It? Why? An Old Pact Already Gives Trump a Free Hand.
The New York Times••general
Key Points:
- President Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security concerns and mentioning the presence of Chinese and Russian ships near the island.
- Despite his focus on buying Greenland, the United States already has extensive military access to the island under a 1951 Cold War agreement with Denmark.
- The agreement allows the U.S. to build and operate military bases, house personnel, and control various military operations across Greenland without owning the territory.
- Denmark, which has governed Greenland for over 300 years, retains control over some of its affairs, but the U.S. has significant freedom to operate militarily on the island.
- Experts note that the U.S. can largely achieve its strategic goals in Greenland without needing to purchase the island
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