Trump's allies back his push to buy Greenland
What's the story
Donald Trump's Republican allies are lining up behind his revived interest in purchasing Greenland.
Leading the charge is Representative Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), who has introduced a bill called 'Make Greenland Great Again Act.'
"American economic and security interests will no longer take a backseat, and House Republicans are ready to help President Trump deliver for the American people," Ogles told Fox News.
The legislation would empower Trump to start negotiations with Denmark right from the day of his inauguration—January 20.
Bill specifics
'Make Greenland Great Again Act' details and support
The 'Make Greenland Great Again Act' requires that any deal struck with Denmark should be presented to Congress for review within five days.
This is in accordance with the constitutional requirement for congressional approval of federal spending, including possible purchases like Greenland.
The bill has already received support from 10 Republican lawmakers, including Representatives Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas).
Security significance
Greenland's strategic importance and local response
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark with cultural ties to Europe, is deemed strategically important because of its proximity to Russia.
Ogles has called the potential acquisition "essential to our national security."
However, Greenland's leader Mute Egede wants independence instead of becoming part of another nation.
"We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic," Egede said.
Strategic assets
US military presence and Greenland's mineral wealth
The US already has a military presence in Greenland at the Pituffik air base. Trump has previously shown interest in the island's mineral wealth and strategic location for military purposes.
Despite its mineral wealth critical for technology, Greenland has banned oil and gas extraction due to environmental concerns.
Some experts believe Trump's threats could be aimed at pressuring Denmark into making concessions on Arctic security.
Future scenarios
Potential outcomes and Denmark's preparations
If Greenland seeks independence, it could explore a free association with the US, like Pacific states such as Micronesia.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen may not be against this status for Greenland.
Alternatively, Trump could use economic threats such as tariffs on Danish goods to extract concessions over Greenland.
In light of such possibilities, some Danish companies are reportedly mulling moving their manufacturing bases to the US to evade possible tariffs.