In a move that has left geopolitical analysts and late-night comedians equally bemused, President-elect Donald Trump has once again floated the idea of the United States purchasing Greenland. Yes, you heard that right—the world’s largest island, currently an autonomous territory of Denmark, is back on the real estate market, at least in Trump’s mind.

Announcing his pick for ambassador to Denmark, Trump stated, ‘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.’ One can almost hear the collective gasp from Copenhagen to Nuuk.

This isn’t the first time Trump has eyed Greenland as the next star on the American flag. Back in 2019, during his first term, he made a similar proposal, which was met with a firm ‘Nej’ from Denmark. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, reiterated this sentiment, stating, ‘Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.’

But let’s entertain this idea for a moment. Greenland, with its vast untapped natural resources and strategic location in the Arctic, could indeed be a valuable asset. It’s rich in minerals like rare earth elements, essential for modern technologies. Plus, as climate change melts Arctic ice, new shipping routes are opening, making Greenland’s location increasingly strategic.

However, the logistics of such a purchase are, to put it mildly, complicated. For starters, there’s the matter of sovereignty. Greenlanders have been moving towards greater autonomy, with many cherishing the prospect of full independence from Denmark. The idea of swapping one governing nation for another doesn’t exactly align with their aspirations.

Then there’s the financial aspect. Estimates for Greenland’s value vary wildly, with figures ranging from $200 million to $1.7 trillion. Even for a country that prints its own money, that’s a hefty price tag.

Critics argue that this proposal is yet another distraction, a shiny object to divert attention from more pressing domestic issues. They suggest that perhaps the focus should be on ‘draining the swamp’ at home before attempting to acquire new wetlands abroad.

Supporters, however, see this as classic Trump—thinking big, challenging norms, and aiming to secure America’s future interests. After all, the U.S. has a history of land acquisitions that seemed improbable at the time. Remember the Louisiana Purchase? Alaska? Both were ridiculed initially but proved to be monumental successes.

In the end, while the idea of adding Greenland as the 51st state (or perhaps a massive new national park) is intriguing, it’s unlikely to move beyond the realm of speculation. Denmark has no intention of selling, and Greenlanders have no interest in being sold.

But in the unpredictable world of politics, especially with Trump at the helm, it’s safe to say—never say never. For now, though, it seems this particular deal is on ice.