In a move that has reignited discussions on U.S. territorial expansion, Representative Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) introduced legislation on February 11, 2025, proposing the acquisition of Greenland and its subsequent renaming to “Red, White, and Blueland.” The bill aims to empower President Donald Trump to negotiate the purchase or acquisition of the Danish territory, emphasizing its strategic importance to U.S. national security.
US Interests
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, holds significant geopolitical value due to its vast natural resources and strategic location in the Arctic region. The island’s proximity to key Arctic trade routes and its potential for resource extraction have been central to U.S. interests. In 2019, President Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing its strategic importance and potential economic benefits. Although Denmark firmly rejected the proposal at that time, the recent introduction of Carter’s bill indicates a renewed U.S. interest in the territory.
“Red, White and Blueland”
The “Red, White, and Blueland Act of 2025” stipulates that the Secretary of the Interior update federal documents to reflect the new name within six months of the acquisition. Representative Carter stated, “America is back and will soon be bigger than ever with the addition of Red, White, and Blueland,” as reported by the New York Post. According to The Sun, he further emphasized the national security priority of acquiring Greenland, asserting that the U.S. would “proudly welcome its people to join the freest nation to ever exist.”
The proposal has elicited varied reactions both domestically and internationally. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed support for the acquisition, highlighting the strategic benefits for the United States. He remarked on The Megyn Kelly Show, “This is not a joke. This is not about acquiring land for the purpose of acquiring land. This is in our national interest and it needs to be solved.”
Not For Sale
Conversely, Denmark has reiterated its stance that Greenland is not for sale. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has previously stated that Greenland’s future will be decided by its people, underscoring the territory’s autonomy and the importance of respecting its self-determination.
However, according to Fox News, Frederiksen expressed some openness to the U.S. expanding its presence in the Arctic: “I totally agree with the Americans that the High North, that the Arctic region is becoming more and more important when we are talking about defense and security and deterrence,” Frederiksen said, citing concerns over Chinese and Russian activity in the area. “And it is possible to find a way to ensure stronger footprints in Greenland. They [the U.S.] are already there, and they can have more possibilities.”
The United States’ interest in Greenland is not a new development. In 2019, President Trump proposed purchasing the island, a suggestion that was met with strong opposition from Denmark. The recent reintroduction of this proposal underscores the ongoing strategic considerations of the U.S. in the Arctic region.
Representative Carter’s bill to acquire and rename Greenland reflects a renewed U.S. interest in the territory’s strategic and economic potential. While the proposal has garnered support from certain U.S. officials, it faces significant opposition from Denmark, highlighting the complexities of international negotiations and the importance of respecting the autonomy of nations and their territories.
