The Republican allies in the U.S. House of Representatives are trying to build support for a bill on authorizing talks for the purchase of Greenland, according to a copy of the bill circulated for co-sponsors on Monday.
The bill aims to grant President-elect Donald Trump the authority to initiate talks with Denmark to secure Greenland, starting at 12:01 p.m. Eastern Time on January 20, 2025, the moment he assumes office for a second term.
According to the draft, Congress would empower the president to enter negotiations and mandate a detailed report to Congress within five days of reaching any agreement with Denmark.
“Congress hereby authorizes the President, beginning at 12:01 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 20, 2025, to seek to enter into negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark to secure the acquisition of Greenland by the United States,” the bill stated.
“Not later than 5 calendar days after reaching an agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark relating to the acquisition of Greenland by the United States, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees the agreement, including all related materials and annexes,” it adds.
Trump, who made no secret of his ambitions for Greenland, expressed his determination to bring the Arctic Island under US sovereignty. “I want Greenland to be part of the United States,” Trump said, emphasising his willingness to use military or economic power if necessary to persuade Denmark to consider the proposal.
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Greenland, an Arctic territory rich in natural resources, has been a semi-sovereign region under Danish control for centuries. While Denmark governed its foreign policy and defense, Greenland enjoyed self-rule and was pressing for independence. Danish Prime Minister Mute Egede, a staunch advocate for Greenland’s autonomy, dismissed the idea of selling the territory.
“The island is not for sale, and it is up to its people to decide their future,” Egede stated firmly, echoing sentiments from Greenlandic leaders who viewed the push for independence as their priority.
For any potential sale to proceed, it would require significant legal hurdles, including amendments to the Danish constitution. Experts raised questions about the feasibility of the U.S. proposal, pointing to Greenland’s historical and cultural ties to Denmark.
Despite these challenges, Republicans in Congress were optimistic. Their narrow majority in both the House and Senate following the November 5 elections could pave the way for passing the bill, signalling a bold step in US foreign policy under Trump’s leadership.
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