President Donald Trump reaffirmed his push for U.S. control of Greenland, telling NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that the Arctic island is essential for international security.
"You know, Mark, we need that for international security," Trump said in the Oval Office, emphasizing concerns over Russian and Chinese activity near Greenland’s coast. Asked about annexation, he responded, "I think that will happen."
Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of acquiring Greenland since taking office, despite Denmark’s firm stance that the territory is not for sale. The strategic island plays a crucial role in U.S. missile defense and possesses valuable natural resources.
Greenland’s political leaders swiftly rejected Trump’s remarks. Outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede stated, "Enough is enough," while Demokraatit party leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen urged unity against U.S. pressure. Opinion polls indicate most Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S., though many favor independence from Denmark.
Rutte distanced NATO from the discussion, stating that the issue should remain among Arctic nations. However, Trump insisted Denmark was uncooperative and hinted at increasing U.S. military presence on the island.
"We really need Greenland for national security," Trump said. "That’s why NATO might have to get involved." He also questioned Denmark’s historical claim to the island, adding, "Denmark’s very far away… a boat landed there 200 years ago, and they say they have rights to it? I don’t know if that’s true."
Trump’s comments follow his broader ambitions of expanding U.S. influence, including proposing Canada as the 51st state and seeking greater control over the Panama Canal. While NATO and Denmark’s embassy declined to comment, the debate over Greenland’s future is unlikely to fade.