The United States is considering the construction of a high-tech “free city” in Greenland as part of a potential deal to acquire the island from Denmark, Reuters reports, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The initiative is being actively promoted by Ken Howery, a businessman appointed by former President Donald Trump as the new U.S. ambassador to Denmark. According to the sources, Howery has taken the project “seriously” and may play a key role in future negotiations over Greenland.
The proposed concept envisions minimal government regulation and a focus on advanced technologies. Plans include the development of a hub for artificial intelligence, autonomous transportation, space launches, small nuclear reactors, and high-speed rail systems.
The idea has gained support among prominent figures in Silicon Valley, including investor Peter Thiel and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen. Both are long-time advocates of “free cities” and technological autonomy. Andreessen is reportedly also an informal advisor to the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
In late 2024, Trump reiterated his position that U.S. ownership of Greenland is an “absolute necessity,” emphasizing the island’s strategic and economic importance.
Greenland, a former Danish colony until 1953, has enjoyed broad autonomy since 2009 while remaining part of the Kingdom of Denmark. The idea of purchasing the island was previously floated by Trump in 2019, sparking a strong negative response from Copenhagen. While discussions are still in their early stages, Reuters notes that the proposal is gaining increasing attention in Washington.
