"After the war, we gave Greenland back to Denmark. How stupid were we to do that!"
Greenland never belonged to the United States. The US never had sovereignty over the island and therefore could not "give it back."
Statement Context
World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland
January 21, 2025, during a video address
Statement made as part of Trump's campaign to acquire Greenland, ongoing since 2019. Justification — strategic importance of the Arctic and the island's rich mineral resources
Global business leaders, politicians, international press
Reactions
Trump administration insists on the necessity of controlling Greenland for national security. Republicans generally supportive, Democrats critical
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the statements "unacceptable pressure" and warned that attacking a NATO ally "would end everything." Denmark summoned the US ambassador
Greenland PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen: "Utterly unacceptable. We choose Denmark." 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the US (January 2025 poll)
Claims Breakdown
Each claim verified separately
Greenland NEVER belonged to the US. The International Court in 1933 confirmed the island belongs to Denmark. The 1941 agreement gave the US the right to defend the island but explicitly recognized Danish sovereignty.
The 1941 agreement explicitly stated the US "reiterates its recognition of and respect for the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark over Greenland." No trusteeship status existed.
The question is based on a false premise. The US could not "give back" what it never owned. This is a rhetorical device, not a historical fact.
The US does have Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule) in Greenland since 1951. However, Denmark is also increasing its military presence in the Arctic. The question of "proper defense" is political, not factual.
History of Greenland
Erik the Red establishes Norse colony
Beginning of European presence
Greenland becomes part of Norway
Formal subjection to Norwegian crown
Kalmar Union: Denmark, Norway, Sweden
Denmark gains influence over Greenland
Hans Egede reestablishes contact
Beginning of Danish colonial period
Treaty of Kiel
Denmark retains Greenland when separating from Norway
Virgin Islands purchase treaty
US recognizes Danish sovereignty over Greenland
International Court ruling
Court rejects Norway's claims, confirms Denmark's rights
Germany occupies Denmark
Greenland remains unoccupied
US-Denmark defense agreement
US gains right to defend Greenland, recognizing Danish sovereignty
New defense agreement
Creation of Thule Air Base (now Pituffik)
Greenland becomes part of Denmark
Colonial status replaced with integration
Greenland gains autonomy
Right to self-governance
Expanded self-rule
Right to independence through referendum
Key Documents
US officially recognized Danish sovereignty over Greenland
"The US reiterates its recognition of and respect for the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark over Greenland"
US gains Thule base rights within NATO framework, Greenland remains Danish
Public Opinion Polls
Do you support Greenland joining the US?
6% for, 85% against, 9% undecided
How do you perceive Trump's interest in Greenland?
45% as threat, 43% as opportunity, 12% unsure
Would you change Danish citizenship to American?
8% willing, 55% prefer to remain Danish citizens
Strategic Importance
Arctic Control
Key position for monitoring Northern Sea Route and Arctic operations
Early Warning
Pituffik base critically important for ballistic missile detection
Rare Earth Metals
Largest rare earth deposits in the Western world
Oil and Gas
Potentially large offshore hydrocarbon reserves
Shipping
Control over northern sea routes as Arctic ice melts
Related Materials
World War II
Context of the 1941 US-Denmark agreement
kholodnaya-voyna
Strategic importance of Greenland and Thule base
Recommended Reading
Danish historian on Greenland's role during the war and the 1941 agreement.
International law and Arctic claims.
History of American expansion in the Arctic.
Strategic importance of Greenland during the Cold War.
Original text of the agreement recognizing Danish sovereignty.