House Republicans, aligning with President-elect Donald Trump's bold foreign policy ambitions, introduced a bill Monday to authorize negotiations for the United States to purchase Greenland from Denmark. Dubbed the "Make Greenland Great Again Act," the proposed legislation has reignited debate over Trump's geopolitical aspirations as he prepares to take office on January 20.
The bill, spearheaded by Rep. Andy Ogles (R., Tenn.), would grant the president the authority to begin formal talks with Denmark to acquire the Arctic island, which holds strategic military and economic value. "Joe Biden took a blowtorch to our reputation these past four years," Ogles told Fox News Digital. "President Trump is telling the world that America First is back."
If enacted, the legislation would require the president to report any agreement to Congress within five days, including relevant materials and annexes. However, as Congress controls federal expenditures, bipartisan support would be crucial to allocate funding for any such acquisition.
Ten Republican co-sponsors have backed the initiative, including notable figures such as Reps. Mike Lawler (R., N.Y.), Diana Harshbarger (R., Tenn.), and Brian Babin (R., Texas), the incoming chair of the House Science Committee. Proponents argue that Greenland's proximity to Russia makes its acquisition vital for U.S. national security.
Greenland was "essential to our national security," Ogles said, citing the island's location in the Arctic, where geopolitical tensions with Russia have risen over access to natural resources and emerging trade routes.
The proposal builds on Trump's long-standing interest in Greenland. During his first term, he described purchasing the island as a "large real estate deal" that could bolster U.S. influence in the Arctic. Despite initial pushback from Danish and Greenlandic leaders, the idea has gained traction among Trump's allies.
Trump Jr.'s recent visit to Greenland, described as a personal tourism trip, has further fueled speculation about the incoming administration's commitment to the proposal. Meanwhile, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance called Greenland "a deal to be made," hinting at a growing Republican consensus on the issue.
This bill follows a series of initiatives aimed at advancing Trump's broader foreign policy agenda. Last week, Rep. Dusty Johnson (R., S.D.) introduced a bill allowing the repurchase of the Panama Canal, another proposal reflecting Trump's vision of expanding U.S. territorial and economic influence.
While the "Make Greenland Great Again Act" has energized Republican lawmakers, it faces significant obstacles. The Danish government has previously dismissed the idea of selling Greenland, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.) labeled Trump's ambitions "imperialist."
Nonetheless, some centrist Democrats have signaled openness to considering the plan, citing the Arctic's growing importance in global geopolitics. "It's worth discussing if it strengthens U.S. security and boosts our Arctic presence," said one Democratic strategist.
Trump himself has kept the possibility of military or economic coercion on the table to secure Greenland. When asked last week whether he would rule out such measures, Trump replied, "No, I can't assure you on either of those two."
The Danish government has reportedly expressed a willingness to discuss increased U.S. military presence in Greenland, but not outright acquisition. This concession highlights the complexity of the negotiations, which would likely require diplomatic finesse to overcome resistance from Denmark and Greenlandic leadership.
The bill's introduction coincides with heightened Arctic activity from Russia and China, further underscoring the strategic stakes. Supporters argue that Greenland, rich in natural resources and located along key Arctic trade routes, would enhance U.S. leverage in a region poised to shape future global dynamics.
Despite skepticism, Ogles and his co-sponsors remain optimistic about the proposal's chances. "President Trump is telling the world that America First is back. American economic and security interests will no longer take a backseat, and House Republicans are ready to help President Trump deliver for the American people," Ogles said.
