The Trump administration confirmed it is “actively” exploring ways to acquire Greenland, citing the need to deter Russian and Chinese aggression in the Arctic region, despite international condemnation and Denmark's rejection.

Both Greenland and Denmark have refused any sale, with Denmark warning that military action would likely end NATO, while the country announced $13.8 billion in additional defense spending for Greenland. International law experts say any attempt to buy or invade Greenland would violate its semiautonomous status and post-1945 sovereignty norms.

“Denmark cannot legally sell Greenland to the United States. The Greenlanders would need a vote on what they wanted to do, and they have expressed no desire to join the U.S. in any form of state or territory,” says Michael Williams, associate professor of public administration and international affairs.

“In this case the U.S. would need to use military action to take over Greenland. This would most likely destroy the NATO alliance and would likely face fierce international condemnation,” Williams says.

Read more in the Newsweek article, “Land the US Has Bought Throughout History—Including From Denmark.”