The Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act, introduced by Rep. Randy Fine, would authorize President Donald Trump to "take such steps as may be necessary" to annex Greenland, including negotiating with Denmark or pursuing other means. The bill would require the president to report to Congress on any legal changes needed to admit Greenland as a U.S. state after adoption of an acceptable constitution. Danish officials and European leaders have rejected the idea, insisting Greenland belongs to its people and to Denmark, while U.S. comments and reports about contingency plans have heightened tensions.
Rep. Randy Fine Introduces 'Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act' to Authorize U.S. Action
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) introduced legislation on Monday called the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act, a bill that would grant President Donald Trump authority to "take such steps as may be necessary" to bring the Danish territory of Greenland under United States control.
The bill's announcement on social media included a mock-up image showing a Trump Tower in Greenland. In his post, Fine framed the measure as a strategic response to growing competition in the Arctic, saying acquiring Greenland would prevent rival powers from establishing a foothold and would "secure our northern flank from Russia and China."
What the Bill Would Do
The proposed legislation would give explicit congressional authorization for the president to pursue annexation or other acquisition of Greenland. It states the president may "take such steps as may be necessary, including by seeking to enter into negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark, to annex or otherwise acquire Greenland as a territory of the United States."
"Upon completion of such annexation or acquisition, the President shall submit to Congress a report consisting of such changes to Federal law as the President may determine necessary to admit the newly acquired territory as a State, in order to expedite congressional approval of such statehood for Greenland after the adoption of a constitution that Congress determines to be republican in form and in conformity with the Constitution of the United States."
Reactions And Context
Denmark has repeatedly maintained that Greenland is not for sale. Following the bill's introduction, Danish Ambassador to the United States Jesper Møller Sørensen (sometimes rendered in English as Jesper Moller Sorensen) met with Rep. Fine to reaffirm that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The bill comes amid heightened public attention from U.S. officials about Greenland. Media reports have said President Trump asked U.S. military planners to examine contingency options related to Greenland. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitton (as reported) was quoted saying the president wants the United States to acquire Greenland to prevent possible hostile acquisition by other powers. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum (as reported in some outlets) also urged that Europeans "should be cheering" a U.S. move on Greenland, calling it a "win for all democracies in the world." These statements prompted sharp pushback from European leaders.
Seven European leaders issued a joint statement underscoring that "Greenland belongs to its people" and that decisions about Greenland "are for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide." The statement was reported to be signed by leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain and Denmark.
What Comes Next
Even if introduced in the House, the bill faces significant legal, diplomatic and political obstacles. Annexation of a sovereign territory would require complex negotiations (and ordinarily the consent of the territory and its sovereign), congressional action, and would raise international-law issues. Observers say the proposal is likely to provoke strong diplomatic opposition from Denmark and other European allies.
Note: This article summarizes reports and statements as they were published. Some names and quotes reflect the original sources; where multiple spellings or transliterations exist, both have appeared in reporting.
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