Trump’s Push to Acquire Greenland Escalates Into a New “Sovereignty” Proposal

Advanced | January 26, 2026

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Trump’s push to acquire Greenland Puts a Remote Place in the Spotlight

Greenland rarely dominates global headlines. But in January, Trump’s push to acquire Greenland pulled the Arctic island into the center of international attention. Reporters from major outlets rushed to Nuuk to get reactions from local leaders and residents—turning everyday life into an almost nonstop interview cycle. (Fox News)

The Big Update: “Sovereignty” Over U.S. Base Areas

Since that early media-frenzy coverage, the story has evolved. Reuters reported that Trump told the New York Post the U.S. would gain sovereignty over areas of Greenland that host American military bases—a shift from “buying the whole island” to controlling specific base zones. That’s a major escalation, because sovereignty is not a business contract—it’s a political claim over territory. (Reuters)

Pressure Tactics: Tariffs, Talk, and Diplomacy Whiplash

Reuters also described the situation as creating “whiplash” for allies, with sudden moves and strong rhetoric that caught officials off guard. At different points this month, Trump has floated pressure tools like tariffs and hinted at aggressive options—then later signaled he would not take Greenland by force. The constant shifting has made the issue harder for Denmark and Greenland to manage—and easier for the media storm to keep growing. (Reuters; Al Jazeera)

Denmark and Greenland: “Not for Sale” and “No Right to Annex”

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has publicly urged Trump to stop threats to take over Greenland, stressing that the U.S. has “no right” to annex any part of the Danish Kingdom. Greenland’s leaders have also rejected the idea, emphasizing that Greenlanders—not outside governments—decide the island’s future. Greenland does have self-rule and a path to independence under a 2009 agreement, but that does not mean it is open for purchase or takeover. (Reuters)

What Americans Think: Low Support for the Idea

Even inside the U.S., support is limited. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only 17% of Americans approve of U.S. efforts to acquire Greenland. Large majorities opposed using military force, and many said they worry the dispute could damage relationships with European allies and NATO. That matters because public opinion shapes how far a policy can realistically go. (Reuters; Ipsos)

Why Trump’s Push to Acquire Greenland Matters for Business

For business-minded people, Trump’s push to acquire Greenland is a case study in geopolitical risk. When leaders make big territorial claims—especially in strategic regions like the Arctic—markets notice. Investors hate uncertainty. Supply chains, defense spending, and energy projects can all shift based on political signals. Whether or not anything changes on the map, the risk premium can rise just because the headlines got louder.

Vocabulary

Sovereignty (noun) – the legal right to govern a territory.
Example: The proposal raised questions about sovereignty over base areas.
Acquire (verb) – to get or obtain something.
Example: Trump said the U.S. should acquire Greenland for security reasons.
Annex (verb) – to take territory and add it to your country.
Example: Denmark rejected any idea that the U.S. could annex Greenland.
Pressure tactics (noun phrase) – strategies used to force agreement.
Example: Tariffs can be used as pressure tactics in negotiations.
Whiplash (noun) – sudden changes that create confusion or instability.
Example: Allies felt policy whiplash as messaging shifted quickly.
Envoy (noun) – a person sent to represent a government in diplomacy.
Example: An envoy can signal a government is taking an issue seriously.
Backlash (noun) – strong negative public reaction.
Example: The comments triggered backlash in Greenland and Denmark.
Strategic (adjective) – important for long-term advantage, especially security.
Example: Greenland’s location is strategic in Arctic defense planning.
Alliance (noun) – a partnership between countries.
Example: NATO is an alliance built on mutual defense commitments.
Risk premium (noun) – extra cost or caution added because something feels risky.
Example: Political tension can increase the risk premium for investment.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What changed in the story after January 16, according to Reuters?
What does “sovereignty over base areas” mean in practical terms?
Why do Denmark and Greenland reject the idea so strongly?
What did the Reuters/Ipsos poll show about U.S. public support?
How does media attention affect small places like Nuuk?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Should powerful countries ever try to purchase territory today? Why or why not?
Why is the Arctic becoming more important in global politics?
How do tariffs and trade threats affect international relationships?
How can political uncertainty impact business decisions?
What should matter more: national security arguments or local self-determination?

Related Idiom or Phrase

“Raise the stakes” – to make a situation more serious or risky.

Example: Talking about sovereignty over bases raises the stakes far beyond a political headline.

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This article was inspired by: Fox News, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Reuters/Ipsos.