# America's Last Annexation

> Trump's Greenland push echoes U.S. territorial history.
- Title: America's Last Annexation · Salon | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: northern marianas, greenland, trump, united states, territorial expansion, denmark, securities agreement, northern mariana islands, us territorial growth, imperialism, news, politics
- Source: Salon — https://salon.com/2026/10/13/americas-last-annexation-holds-a-lesson-for-trump-on-greenland
- Author: Mark Kawar
- Published: 2026-10-13T10:30:24+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: northern marianas, greenland, trump, united states, territorial expansion, denmark, securities agreement, northern mariana islands, us territorial growth, imperialism, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The U.S. last added territory in 1986 with the Northern Mariana Islands, showing how modern presidents can secure strategic goals without annexation.