From Salon · Mark Kawar · · 1m 20s
America's Last Annexation
Trump's Greenland push echoes U.S. territorial history.
In brief
Trump's Greenland push echoes U.S. territorial history. The U.S. last added territory in 1986 with the Northern Mariana Islands, showing how modern presidents can secure strategic goals without annexation. Originally reported by Salon.
U.S. last added territory
Forty years ago, the United States added territory for the last time.
Northern Mariana Islands
On Nov. 4, 1986, the U.S. entered into political union with the Northern Mariana Islands.
Strategic shift
The U.S. no longer needs to annex land to achieve its strategic objectives abroad.
Trump's Greenland push
President Donald Trump now appears prepared to accept expanded American rights in Greenland without acquiring sovereignty.
Security agreement
The United States, Denmark and Greenland signed a security deal at the U.N. in New York on Sept. 22, 2026.
Historical pattern
The U.S. slowed territorial expansion in the late 19th century as it became more selective.
Territorial history
After the Spanish-American War, America annexed Guam but not the northern islands.
Northern Marianas independence
The Northern Marianas became a self-governing U.S. commonwealth with U.S. citizenship for eligible residents.
Modern strategic needs
The U.S. can gain strategic advantages through military bases, defense agreements, trade relationships without annexation.
The main idea
The U.S. last added territory in 1986 with the Northern Mariana Islands, showing how modern presidents can secure strategic goals without annexation.
