U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to securing Greenland for the United States, stating that the country will “take Greenland one way or another.” His comments came amid growing concerns about increased military activity from Russia and China in the Arctic region, which Trump sees as a threat to U.S. national security.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized that Greenland’s vast mineral resources and strategic location were vital for U.S. interests. “If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will, and I’m not letting that happen,” he said, despite neither country having claimed sovereignty over the island.
Trump expressed his openness to negotiating with Greenland, which is a self-governing territory of Denmark, but insisted that the U.S. would take control of the island either through an agreement or other means. “One way or another, we’re going to have Greenland,” he declared.
The U.S. has maintained a military base in Greenland since World War II, and Trump’s comments have raised alarms in Denmark and other European nations. Denmark, which had colonized Greenland until 1953, and other European allies have voiced their dismay at Trump’s comments, which they see as a threat to the long-standing transatlantic security relationship.
The Danish Prime Minister recently warned that any U.S. attempt to take Greenland by force would jeopardize NATO relations and undermine 80 years of cooperation. Trump, however, dismissed these concerns, suggesting that if Greenland’s potential annexation affects NATO, then it affects NATO. He also suggested that Greenland “needs us much more than we need them.”
Despite the strong rhetoric, the majority of Greenland’s population, as well as its political leaders, have expressed resistance to the idea of being controlled by the U.S. They have consistently affirmed that Greenlanders should have the final say in their political future. Trump, however, has continued to downplay these sentiments, even mocking Greenland’s defense capabilities. “You know what their defense is? Two dog sledges,” he quipped, contrasting it with the military might of Russia and China.
Greenland, which gained home rule in 1979 and is contemplating further autonomy from Denmark, is caught in the middle of these geopolitical tensions. However, its leadership remains steadfast in its desire for self-determination and opposes any outside interference in its affairs.
In a veiled warning to Greenland’s government, Trump urged the territory to “make the deal” with the U.S. to avoid the influence of Russia or China. The former president’s statements are expected to further escalate tensions with Denmark and provoke debate about the future of Greenland’s relationship with the U.S. and Denmark.
