U.S. interest in Greenland, recently highlighted by former President Donald Trump's expressed desire to acquire the territory, has a history stretching back over a century, marked by strategic and economic pursuits. The discussions on Greenland's status involved U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials who convened at the White House on Jan. 14, 2026, following Trump's initial comments. According to the Danish Foreign Minister, the meeting revealed a "fundamental disagreement" between the parties, though they agreed to continue discussions.

Trump's approach to Greenland was criticized by some, including Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, who stated that seizing Greenland would "incinerate the hard-won trust of loyal allies in exchange for no meaningful change in U.S. access to the Arctic."

The U.S. pursuit of policies in Greenland has historically been driven by what American leaders considered strategic and economic imperatives. Some past proposals, as detailed in John Smith's 2024 book, "When the Ice is Gone," ranged from practical considerations to what Smith described as "engineering fantasies." The book examines Greenland's environmental, military, and scientific history.

One notable instance of American involvement dates back over 100 years to a Navy officer's removal of fragments from the Cape York iron meteorite. This event exemplifies a long-standing, and at times complicated, relationship between the United States and Greenland.

While the U.S. has long held interest in Greenland, Trump's approach was perceived by some as more aggressive than that of previous administrations. The current status of any potential U.S. acquisition of Greenland remains unresolved, with continued dialogue between the involved parties anticipated.