House Republicans introduced legislation Sunday to help President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed acquisition of Greenland, as a new poll suggests there is majority support among the territory’s residents for joining the United States.
Rep. Andy Ogles, R-T.N., is leading the “Make Greenland Great Again Act,” which would authorize Trump to begin negotiations with Denmark to purchase the Arctic island immediately after taking office January 20.
“Joe Biden took a blowtorch to our reputation these past four years, and before even taking office, President Trump is telling the world that America First is back,” Ogles told Fox News Digital.
The bill has gained support from 10 House Republicans.
Vice President-elect JD Vance downplayed the possibility of any military action Sunday, noting on “Fox News Sunday” that diplomatic solutions exist.
“There’s a deal to be made in Greenland,” Vance said, calling the territory “really important for America strategically.”
A Patriot Polling survey released Sunday found 57.3% of Greenland respondents support joining the United States, though critics have pushed back and said it only surveyed 416 people during Donald Trump Jr.’s visit last week,. The polling firm receives a one-star rating from poll aggregate website 538.
Danish officials have privately expressed willingness to increase U.S. military presence on the island, according to reports, though Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen maintains publicly that “Greenland is not for sale.”
Trump’s national security adviser pick, Rep. Mike Waltz, R-F.L., took a hard line on the expansion plans.
“President Trump is ready to take big, bold steps to ensure the United States is well-defended,” he said on ABC’s “This Week,” citing mineral resources and new Arctic shipping lanes.
The House bill requires any agreement to be submitted to Congress within five days. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., introduced similar legislation last week regarding the Panama Canal, gathering more than a dozen Republican co-sponsors.