Trump’s Interest In Buying Greenland Baffles World’s Media

President Donald Trump is apparently interested in buying Greenland, according to media reports that began on Thursday and have continued into Friday morning. The US and world media seemed taken aback and even baffled by the notion that the US would purchase the country.

The Wall Street Journal first reported that the President had expressed interest in buying Greenland and was even somewhat serious about the idea. Theoretically, Greenland would have to be bought from Denmark. That country has not responded to the report.

There is a US military base in Greenland and significant natural resources which might make it an attractive territory but the idea that the current US government could by more territory seemed ludicrous to many media commentators and social media users.

Greenland has a population of around 56,000 and has a form of self-government, including a prime minister. It is unlikely Greenlanders would embrace the idea of becoming a US territory – especially given how many US territories do not enjoy full statehood.

While purchasing territory has played an important role in US expansion, the concept today seems bizarre an even insulting. The people of Greenland would have to be consulted about any change in their status, but the idea has highlighted once again Trump’s bizarre style of governing.