The United States is doubling down on its Arctic commitments as tensions continue to simmer over Donald Trump’s renewed interest in buying Greenland.
And now, a Republican congressman is pushing a bold, headline-grabbing renaming campaign that would see Greenland rebranded as “Red, White, and Blueland.”
New U.S. ambassador in Greenland promises stronger ties
In a high-stakes visit to Nuuk, the new U.S. ambassador to Denmark, Kenneth Howery, pledged more support for Greenland as he stepped into his role amid diplomatic friction sparked by Trump’s controversial ambitions.
“We have achieved a lot over the years, especially in the last five years.
"We can do more. We want to support a strong, secure, and prosperous future for the people who call the Arctic their home,” Howery told reporters, standing beside Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, as quoted by U.S. News.
JD Vance visited a military base in Greenland earlier this year. Credit: Jim Watson - Pool/Getty
Howery, who previously co-founded PayPal, was in town to attend meetings of the Joint Committee and the Permanent Committee, key forums where U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials coordinate both military and civilian efforts - including discussions surrounding the American military footprint on the icy island.
But while Howery stressed cooperation, Motzfeldt didn’t shy away from the elephant in the room - Trump’s eye-popping attempt to acquire the island and the uncertainty it created for locals.
“Our country and the United States have cooperated for 80 years based on common interests. There is a need to restore trust so we can continue good cooperation,” Motzfeldt said.
She added pointedly: “Trust and respect are the foundation of any partnership, and it is no secret that the past year has been challenging.”
Trump’s rebranding campaign: Welcome to Red, White, and Blueland?
Despite widespread opposition, President Trump has continued to pursue the idea of buying Greenland since defeating Kamala Harris in the most recent U.S. election.
And now, Rep. Earl "Buddy" Carter of Georgia is turning up the heat with a new bill that would see the island renamed “Red, White, and Blueland” if a purchase ever goes through.
Trump has repeatedly been told that Greenland isn't for sale. Credit: Tasos Katopodis/Getty
Carter introduced the Red, White, and Blueland Act of 2025 to the House of Representatives, tasking Interior Secretary Doug Burgum with overseeing the proposed name change.
“America is back and will soon be bigger than ever with the addition of Red, White, and Blueland,” Carter declared in a press release.
“President Trump has correctly identified the purchase of what is now Greenland as a national security priority, and we will proudly welcome its people to join the freest nation to ever exist when our Negotiator-in-Chief inks this monumental deal.”
Trump has continued to claim the acquisition is crucial for national security, pointing out Greenland’s strategic location between Europe and North America.
He has even floated the use of military force - not only for Greenland, but for the Panama Canal - stating: “No, I can't assure you of either of those two. But I can say this: We need them for economic security. The Panama Canal was built for our military.”
He also questioned whether Denmark truly had a “legal right” to the island and predicted that the people of Greenland would ultimately vote to join the United States.
If not, Trump warned: “The US will tariff Denmark at a very high level.”
According to an opinion poll conducted by Verian for Danish newspaper Berlingske and Greenlandic daily Sermitsiaq, a whopping 85% of Greenlanders say they do not want to become part of the United States.
Only 6% supported joining, with 9% undecided.