President Donald Trump has called for the U.S. to purchase Greenland from Denmark, reigniting a proposal from his first term.

“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,” Trump said, reaffirming his interest in the autonomous Danish territory while announcing his ambassador to Denmark.

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The push comes after Trump suggested that the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal to alleviate rising shipping costs associated with the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Greenland, the world’s largest island, lies between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Covering 80% of the island, an ice sheet dominates the landscape, which also hosts a major U.S. military base.

Danish Politicians React

The current head of government, Múte Bourup Egede, dismissed Trump’s renewed calls for U.S. control, likening them to the futile proposals from his first term.

Trump’s comments on Greenland have drawn sharp criticism from many Danish politicians. Anders Vistisen, a member of Denmark’s right-wing Patriots for Europe group, rejected the idea outright, RTE News reported.

“Listen carefully. Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for 800 years. It’s an integrated part of our country. It is not for sale,” Vistisen said. “Let me put it in words you might understand. Mr. Trump, f— off.”

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