The United States has wanted to buy Greenland for a long time. But the talks have hit another big problem. Greenland’s leaders have said no clearly. The island is not for sale.
This has caused a big diplomatic fight. It is a fight not only with Denmark, but across the whole Arctic region. Other countries are trying to deal with this challenge to international rules.
Greenland Prime Minister Reaffirms Independence Amidst U.S. Ambitions
The recent talks have not moved forward. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, has been very clear. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States. This goes against the U.S. plan for the Arctic. The U.S. sees Greenland’s location and resources as very important for security.
The problem got worse in mid-January 2026. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Danish and Greenland officials. It was a difficult meeting. The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, said there is a fundamental disagreement. The U.S. wants to conquer the territory. Greenland sees this as a threat to its own path to independence.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Late-Night Commentary on the Greenland Issue
TV host Jimmy Kimmel talked about this on his late-night show. He made a joke about it. He said, “Of course they don’t want to be part of the United States right now.” He pointed out that the U.S. wants something that the people in Greenland do not want.
Kimmel’s funny comment showed how silly the idea is. It is silly to treat a territory like a house for sale. The U.S. cannot just buy a country that keeps saying no. His joke highlights that the U.S. pursuit is out of touch with reality.
Historical Context and Strategic Motivations
The idea to buy Greenland is old. In 1946, President Harry Truman offered to buy it from Denmark. The U.S. wants Greenland today for two main reasons.
- Military Importance: The U.S. has a key military base there called Pituffik Space Base. Greenland’s location is also important for watching Russian submarines.
- Resources: Greenland has a lot of valuable minerals. It also may have oil and gas. As the ice melts, these become easier to reach.
But the people of Greenland have their own identity. They have self-rule under Denmark. They want more independence, not to be taken over by another country.
Why the Talks Have Stalled
The talks have stopped for many reasons. Greenland simply says it is not for sale. Also, European countries like France and Germany support Denmark. They have even sent a mission to Greenland to show support.
Inside the Arctic Council, the U.S. push to buy Greenland is seen as a problem. It could hurt unity in NATO. About 85% of people in Greenland are against annexation. This makes the U.S. fight very difficult. For now, the talks are stuck. The U.S. and its Arctic neighbors see the situation in two very different ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greenland part of the United States?
No. Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Why does the U.S. want to buy Greenland?
The U.S. wants it for its military location, Arctic shipping routes, and large reserves of important minerals.
What did Jimmy Kimmel say about Greenland?
Jimmy Kimmel made fun of the U.S. attempts. He said it is obvious why Greenland would not want to join the U.S. at this time.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.