In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump indicated an interest in acquiring Greenland, a large island situated northeast of Canada. This autonomous territory belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark. To secure this acquisition, a controversial suggestion was made by an influencer on social media, proposing a royal marriage between Trump’s youngest son, 19-year-old Barron Trump, and Denmark’s Princess Isabella.
Trump’s Greenland Acquisition Proposal
The idea gained traction when the influencer, Miss White, claimed that Greenland could be offered as a dowry in such a marriage. The post received significant attention, with over six million views and 138,000 likes by midday Thursday, according to a report by the Daily Beast.
Response from Prominent Figures
- Megyn Kelly, a conservative podcaster, humorously labeled Barron as “the Henry Kissinger of our time.”
- Pete St. Onge from the Heritage Foundation referred to the proposal as “the Habsburg solution,” invoking a historical dynasty known for strategic marriages.
Princess Isabella, who recently turned 18, is second in line to the Danish throne and is set to graduate from high school in Copenhagen this summer. Despite some light-hearted banter online, many opposed the marriage proposal, emphasizing that Greenland is not a bargaining chip and criticizing the notion of using diplomatic marriages as a strategy.
Trump’s Interest in Greenland
The discussion around the acquisition of Greenland resurfaced after Trump’s previous comments about the island. His Deputy Chief of Staff, Stephen Miller, expressed on CNN that the U.S. requires Greenland for strategic reasons tied to Arctic interests.
Historical Military Agreements
A lesser-known Cold War agreement allows the United States military extensive access to Greenland. This includes the right to construct and maintain military bases. As documented by the New York Times, this agreement provides the U.S. with considerable operational flexibility in the region.
Researcher Mikkel Runge Olesen noted that the U.S. has significant latitude regarding military actions in Greenland, suggesting that requests for access could be negotiated amicably.
Cost and Local Sentiment
While some members of the Trump administration have hinted at purchasing the island, estimates for Greenland’s value could reach hundreds of billions of dollars. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has firmly stated that “Our country is not for sale.” Furthermore, Greenlandic residents, numbering around 57,000, have the authority to vote on independence, with a recent poll indicating that approximately 85% oppose any American takeover.
Conclusion
Though the royal marriage proposal stirred considerable discussion on social media, it faces significant political, legal, and social obstacles. Greenland’s autonomy and the sentiments of its inhabitants complicate any plans for a potential acquisition.
