Buy Greenland? Take It? Why? An Old Pact Already Gives Trump a Free Hand.

New York Times - WorldEN 5 min read 100% complete by Jeffrey Gettleman, Amelia Nierenberg and Maya TekeliJanuary 7, 2026 at 01:57 PM

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In January 2026, President Trump expressed interest in the U.S. acquiring Greenland, suggesting both purchase and potential takeover. However, a 1951 Cold War agreement between the U.S. and Denmark already grants the U.S. broad military access to Greenland, including the ability to establish bases and control movement of personnel and equipment. Analysts suggest this agreement allows the U.S. to achieve its national security goals in Greenland without needing to buy it. Greenlanders now have the right to hold a referendum on independence and Danish officials have said it’s up to the island’s 57,000 inhabitants to decide their future.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Copenhagen 30% Russian 30% Chinese 30% Marco Rubio 40% Bluie East Two 40% Danish Institute for International Studies 40% Mikkel Runge Olesen 50% Cold War ×260% Denmark ×680% Donald Trump ×590% United States ×790% Greenland ×11100%

Keywords

greenland 100% united states 90% military access 80% cold war agreement 70% denmark 70% national security 60% buy greenland 60% american military presence 50% independence referendum 40%

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Negative

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New York Times - World

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greenland united states military access cold war agreement denmark national security buy greenland american military presence independence referendum

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