President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up to pursue his long-held ambition of acquiring Greenland. Leading the charge is Representative Andy Ogles from Tennessee, who has introduced a bill that would empower Trump to negotiate with Denmark for the purchase of the territory, which has deep cultural and historical ties to Europe despite being located in North America.
The proposed legislation is aptly named the “Make Greenland Great Again Act.” Ogles expressed that Trump’s administration will prioritize American interests, stating, “Joe Biden took a blowtorch to our reputation these past four years, and before even taking office, President Trump is telling the world that America First is back.”
If passed, the bill would allow Trump to enter negotiations with Denmark shortly after his inauguration. A key feature of the legislation is the requirement for the president to report back to Congress within five days of reaching any agreement regarding the acquisition.
Congress plays a crucial role in such dealings, as it holds the power to control federal expenditures. Thus, any potential purchase would need to be funded through the appropriations process in the House of Representatives and receive Senate approval.
Ogles’ initiative has garnered support from ten fellow House Republicans, including notable members like Rep. Dan Crenshaw from Texas and Rep. Diana Harshbarger from Tennessee. Their backing underscores a growing bipartisan enthusiasm among conservatives for expanding U.S. territory.
In recent comments, Trump has also raised eyebrows with his suggestions that he wouldn’t entirely dismiss the idea of using forceful measures to secure both Greenland and other strategic locations like the Panama Canal, given their significance in U.S. national security, especially regarding its proximity to Russia.
As the conversation around the potential acquisition of Greenland heats up, Trump’s allies argue that this move is essential for safeguarding American interests on the global stage. Concerns over strategic military positioning have driven some Republican supporters to advocate for such acquisitions.
Ogles’ bill comes on the heels of other legislative efforts, including one by Rep. Dusty Johnson from South Dakota, aimed at facilitating Trump’s plan to reclaim control over the Panama Canal, an important channel that has come under scrutiny amid concerns about Chinese influence.
The deliberations around these initiatives highlight a renewed focus among Republicans to strengthen America’s standing in international affairs as Trump prepares for his second term in office.
