Donald Trump’s obsession with taking Greenland for the US could be scuppered by the UK, as a pact made more than a century ago means London has first dibs. The newly inaugurated president has threatened several times during both terms he wants to make the Danish territory part of the US for “international security”. His comments have been met with scorn from the international community, as he has not ruled out using military power to persuade Denmark to cede the territory.
However, if Trump was to make a move to take Greenland he would have to do so with the approval of Sir Keir Starmer, thanks to a 108-year-old agreement. Tom Høyem, Copenhagen’s representative in Greenland between 1982 and 1987, told the Sunday Times: “If Trump tried to buy Greenland, he would have to ask London first. The United Kingdom demanded in 1917 if Greenland were to be sold then the UK should have the first right to buy it.”.
Former President Woodrow Wilson passed on taking Greenland in a deal with Denmark for the US Virgin Islands. Despite being urged to take it, Wilson - the 28th US President - said: “It’s not worth anything at all. It’s just ice. I don’t want it.”.
During a Q&A on Air Force One, Trump again insisted he wanted to wrestle Greenland from Denmark, as well as suggesting Canada could become the US’ 51st state. He told reporters: “"I do believe Greenland we'll get because it really has to do with freedom of the world.
