Russia Forged Letter in 2019 Claiming US Wanted to Buy Greenland

Nearly five years ago, Russia reportedly floated the idea of the US purchasing Greenland in a fake fundraising letter sent to Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, according to Danish intelligence.

The accusations reemerged on social media over the weekend, just days before Trump’s inauguration.

On January 7, US President-elect Donald Trump stated that he would not dismiss the possibility of using military or economic measures to acquire the Danish overseas territory of Greenland after assuming office on January 20.

In 2022, the Danish Security and Intelligence Service determined that the 2019 letter was a forgery, likely orchestrated by Russia. A Danish intelligence report suggested that Moscow aimed to create tension between Denmark, the US, and Greenland. Moscow denied the accusations in an email to Reuters.

"It is highly likely that the letter was fabricated and shared on the internet by Russian influence agents, who wanted to create confusion and a possible conflict between Denmark, the USA, and Greenland," said the Danish Security and Intelligence Service in January 2022.

In January 2025, Denmark responded to Trump's remarks by firmly stating that Greenland is not for sale. While Denmark has maintained control over Greenland for centuries, its 57,000 residents now manage their own domestic affairs.

On January 10, it was reported that US President-elect Donald Trump revealed plans for a potential meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, however, he offered no specific timeline for the talks.