President-elect Donald Trump continues to roll out his nominees for the numerous positions he needs to fill in his second administration, including ambassadors. On Sunday, he named several more, including Callista Gingrich (wife of former Speaker Newt Gingrich), who'll now serve as Ambassador to Switzerland (having previously served as Ambassador to the Holy See).
Trump also announced his proposed Ambassador to Denmark, Ken Howery.
I am pleased to announce Ken Howery as my choice for United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark. Ken is a World renowned entrepreneur, investor, and public servant, who served our Nation brilliantly during my First Term as U.S. Ambassador to Sweden, where he led efforts to increase Defense, Security, and Economic Cooperation between our Countries. As a Co-Founder of PayPal and venture capital fund, Founders Fund, Ken turned American Innovation and Tech leadership into Global success stories, and that experience will be invaluable in representing us abroad. 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. Ken will do a wonderful job in representing the interests of the United States. Thank you Ken, and congratulations!
But it was Trump's note toward the end of his announcement regarding Howery that sent the Twittersphere (X-osphere?) into a tizzy: "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."
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One suspects Trump is having a bit of fun as he eagerly awaits his second term, between his talk of making Canada the 51st state, reclaiming the Panama Canal, and now, the reference to ownership and control of the 836,000 square mile Danish territory. But, of course, this isn't the first time Trump has made eyes at Greenland.
The big picture: Trump said during his first administration that he was looking into the U.S. buying Greenland and canceled a state trip to Denmark after Danish officials said the autonomous territory that's part of its kingdom was not for sale.
Report: President Trump May Want the U.S. to Purchase Greenland
President Trump Cancels Denmark Visit Citing No Deal On Greenland Purchase. Really?
I promise not to do this to Greenland! pic.twitter.com/03DdyVU6HA
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 20, 2019
But is he just trolling? Or is he serious? There certainly would be some advantages to the acquisition.
Between the lines: The territory has access to the Arctic, where there's been a race between nations for resources in a region that research shows is already feeling the impacts of climate change.
- Russia has in recent years sought to claim territory up to Greenland's Exclusive Economic Zone.
- Greenland's natural resources include gold, silver, copper and uranium and there's believed to be significant potential for oil in the waters off the territory.
If we were to acquire the territory, Sen. Eric Schmitt has a solid suggestion as to what it should be named:
President Trump:
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) December 23, 2024
"For purposes of national security and freedom, the US feels that the ownership of Greenland is a necessity."
When we buy Greenland should we call it MAGADONIA? pic.twitter.com/FK53Wo1xJ1
When we buy Greenland should we call it MAGADONIA?
Has a certain ring to it...
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