UPDATED 8/19, 10:45 a.m. ET: On Sunday Trump confirmed his interest in purchasing Greenland. "Essentially it’s a large real estate deal. A lot of things can be done. It’s hurting Denmark very badly because they're losing almost $700 million a year carrying it," he said.
To reiterate: Denmark has stated Greenland is not for sale.
See original story below.
The Wall Street JournalreportsDonald Trump has privately spoken with his aides “with varying degrees of seriousness” about the prospect of purchasing the world’s biggest island Greenland.
Trump has reportedly sought the advice of his advisers to determine if the United States could actually acquire the autonomous Danish territory. His interest piqued when he was made aware of the abundant resources and geopolitical importance that the potential purchase could present.
While some of Trump’s advisers were reportedly supportive of an acquisition with the understanding that the move could be a good economic play, others consider this exploration to be a “fleeting fascination that will never come to fruition.”
Greenland's government stated, "We see it as an expression of greater interest in investing in our country and the possibilities we offer. Of course, Greenland is not for sale."
Given Trump's previous failed forays into real estate, people know that the purchase of Greenland would work out swimmingly under his administration.
According to the Journal, the U.S. looked into acquiring Greenland in 1867, but only made a formal bid in 1946 when President Harry S. Truman made a $100 million offer that Denmark declined.
Trump is scheduled to visit Denmark next month.
