Trump reignites Greenland ambitions with Howery's new role
Donald Trump is once again causing controversy with his plan to purchase Greenland. The United States is citing the strategic need to control the island, which they believe is essential for both national security and global freedom.
Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, has sparked international interest again by announcing Ken Howery's nomination as the US ambassador to Denmark. This decision recalls his idea of purchasing Greenland.
Trump on purchasing Greenland: an absolute necessity
"For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity," Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform, in a post announcing Howery's nomination.
During his first term, Trump attempted to acquire Greenland, which was met with strong opposition from both the Danish authorities and Greenland itself. According to the "Wall Street Journal," Trump mentioned the plan at various levels of seriousness.
Greenland is home to the American Thule Space Force base, which makes the island strategically crucial for the USA. The proposal to purchase was preceded by Trump's cancellation of a visit to Denmark, following a negative reaction from the Danish authorities to his offer, resulting in tension between Washington and Copenhagen.
Ken Howery, a business partner of Elon Musk and one of PayPal's co-founders, who previously served as the ambassador to Sweden, is now set to lead the US embassy in Denmark. His close relationship with Musk spans several decades, adding an extra dimension to this nomination.
Greenland is the world's largest island that is not a continent. Its area is over 2 million square kilometres. 81% of its surface is covered by an ice sheet. According to 2023 data, the island is home to more than 56,000 people.
