President Donald Trump on Sunday confirmed his intention of buying Greenland, as it seemed like a “strategically interesting” option. However he added that the deal was not something that was “number 1 on the burner” right now.

“Denmark essentially owns it. We're very good allies with Denmark. We protect Denmark like we protect large portions of the world. Strategically, it's interesting, and we'd be interested, but we'll talk to them a little bit. It's not number one on the burner," Trump told reporters about his interest in Greenland, as he left his golf club in Bedminster, N.J.

White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow had earlier confirmed that the reports regarding Trump’s purchase of the ice covered island, which Trump compared to a “large real estate deal,” was true.

“I don’t want to predict an outcome. I’m just saying the president, who knows a thing or two about buying real estate, wants to take a look at a Greenland purchase. Denmark owns Greenland, Denmark is an ally, Greenland is a strategic place, up there. And they’ve got a lot of valuable minerals,” Kudlow told Fox News.

US President Donald Trump told reporters that buying Greenland was "something we talked about" but that it was not his administration's top priority
US President Donald Trump told reporters that buying Greenland was "something we talked about" but that it was not his administration's top priority AFP / Nicholas Kamm

An official enquiry about the purchase is yet to be made to Denmark and some sections still treat this news as nothing more than a passing matter of hilarity.

Greenland and Denmark have strongly rejected Trump’s notion, claiming it to be absurd.

“Greenland is not for sale. Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland. I strongly hope that this is not meant seriously,” the newspaper Sermitsiaq quoted Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen saying, during a visit to Greenland.

Earlier on Friday, Greenland’s foreign minister Ane Lone Bager had said that Greenland was open for business but it was not for sale.

Trump was of the notion that Denmark faces an economic burden to support Greenland and since the U.S was an ally, it would eventually agree to the sale of the island which is home to more than 50,000 people.

“A lot of things could be done. It’s hurting Denmark very badly because they’re losing almost $700 million a year carrying it. So they carry it at a great loss. And strategically for the United States, it would be nice. And we’re a big ally of Denmark, and we help Denmark, and we protect Denmark,” Trump said.

U.S military currently has rights to the Thule Air Base in northern Greenland according to a treaty signed with Denmark in 1951.

Trump will most likely discuss the situation with Greenland and Denmark Prime Ministers while he visits Copenhagen in September.

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