The Trump administration’s new budget request returns the president’s interest in Greenland to the forefront with a proposal to spend $587,000 to build a permanent U.S. consulate on the ice-covered island.
Influence with, or even ownership of, Denmark’s autonomous Arctic Circle territory is highly coveted by major power rivals Russia, China, and the United States because of the island’s location and supply of uranium and rare earth minerals.
When the Wall Street Journal reported last year that Trump had floated the idea to advisers, with varying degrees of seriousness, of buying Greenland, the press and public erupted in laughter.
“Essentially, it’s a large real estate deal,” Trump said, speaking to reporters at the time. “A lot of things can be done. It’s hurting Denmark very badly, because they’re losing almost $700 million a year carrying it. So they carry it at a great loss.”
Greenland said at the time that the Danish-held territory was not for sale and “cannot be sold,” seemingly putting an end to further speculation.
Trump’s new proposal comes with congressional support, however.
Speaking to Politico, a State Department official cited American nationals living on the island, which is home to the U.S.’s northernmost military base, and the desire for a greater strategic presence as factors in the State Department’s decision to establish a consulate.
“It’s not very expensive … It’s a start. And it says that we’re at least there and attempting to play,” the official said.
