GOP Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) told Fox Business Network Tuesday that the U.S. has the right to "acquire" Greenland because, "We are, quite frankly, the dominant predator."
President Donald Trump has long talked about annexing Greenland for the purpose of national security. According to Reuters, "Greenland's strategic location and resources could benefit the U.S." because "it lies along the shortest route from Europe to North America, vital for the U.S. ballistic missile warning system."
Ogles was asked about his recently introduced bill giving Trump "Congressional authority" to acquire the Danish territory.
"For some, that might sound a little crazy, but actually the United States has been eyeing Greenland for over 100 years," Ogles said. "Strategically, when you look at it, it's wealthy in resources. And when you see increased activity with Russia and China and the Arctic Circle and increased activity with the shipping lanes, it's important for the United States to assert itself and say, 'Look, this is our doorstep; this is our area of operation. And, we are, quite frankly, the dominant predator ' — cop, if you will. But it's important that we fight back against China, and send them back to their own hemisphere."
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Last week, Ogles introduced the "Make Greenland Great Again Act." The bill "would direct Congress to support President Trump’s negotiations with Denmark to acquire Greenland immediately. The United States’ ownership of the Danish territory would allow for the advancement of American economic interests and national security priorities."
Although Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede claimed the territory was "not for sale," the BBC reported that "Greenland wants to work more closely with the US on defense and exploring its mining resources."
Also last week, Denmark's foreign minister said it was "ready to work with Greenland to 'continue talks' with Trump 'to ensure legitimate American interests' in the Arctic."
Watch the clip below via Fox Business Network.