×

What’s Going On: Trumpland … an idea I can support

Here’s something I don’t state very often: I agree with President Trump.

Earlier this week, it was reported that on multiple instances over his presidency, Trump has directed staff members to inquire into the possibility of the United States buying … Greenland, as in the country.

Bold.

Outside the box.

Forward thinking.

Astounding.

These are all words and phrases I would use to describe Trump’s idea, notion, dream, whatever you want to call it. And while I’m sure this will provide fodder for his critics and an abundance of punchlines for comics, it might be a sign of pure brilliance.

Or a giant ego.

Or greed.

Or all of the above.

Regardless, if Trump were actually able to pull this off (which he won’t, but more on that later) its impact would be profound. Beyond the obvious benefits of expanding the nation by acquiring the largest island in the world and the third largest country in North America, Greenland is filled with valuable natural resources in terms of minerals. Plus, there’s immense military advantages as well to the U.S. possessing Greenland, which became apparent in World War II. So apparent, in fact, President Harry Truman made an attempt to purchase the country in 1946 for $100 million in gold bars.

With all that said, it’s reasonable to suspect Trump’s primary motivation is to simply have an unprecedented accomplishment associated with his presidency. Or, an even more pragmatic reason is to again further help out the mining industry, which his administration has done a lot for already in terms of reduced regulations and opening up previously restricted or closed areas for development.

But overriding all of that, buying Greenland from its current “owner” (do countries have owners?), Denmark, would provide Trump with political armor that would make him impervious to all criticism.

“The trade war with China was a disaster!”

“Yeah, but I bought Greenland.”

“Your foreign policy endangered American lives.”

“Yeah, but I bought Greenland.”

“Your domestic policies caused division, and the spread of hatred and intolerance.”

“Yeah, but I bought Greenland.”

No matter the political barb, the comeback would always be as consistent as effective. Yeah, but I’m the president who brought you … GREENLAND!!! (Cue game show music)

It would be a historic move that would literally change this nation’s landscape and global dynamics for generations to come.

It would be, dare I say, not only Trump’s crowning achievement of his presidency, but arguably his life. Heck, maybe they’d rename the country Trumpland.

That though seems as unlikely as the U.S. buying the country.

Apparently, Greenland isn’t for sale.

“Greenland is rich in valuable resources such as minerals, the purest water and ice, fish stocks, seafood, renewable energy and is a new frontier for adventure tourism,” Greenland’s Foreign Ministry wrote on its Twitter account. “We’re open for business, not for sale.”

Others took a more comical tone.

“It must be an April Fool’s Day joke…but totally out of [season]!” former Danish prime minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen joked on Twitter.

Oh well. It was a nice thought and I genuinely give the President some credit for thinking big and differently … regardless of the motivation.

Makes me wonder though if this isn’t an indication that Trump’s real estate instincts will continue to manifest themselves in policy decisions.

Can someone get Mexico on the phone?

——

Gregory Orear is the publisher of The Journal. His award-winning weekly column, “What’s Going On,” has been published in four newspapers in three states for more than 20 years. He can be contacted at gorear@nujournal.com.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today