Trump says US will secure control of Greenland amid Russia and China threat

President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that the United States would secure control of Greenland “one way or the other,” emphasizing that the mineral-rich territory is crucial for U.S. national security given the growing presence of Russia and China in the Arctic.

While speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump cautioned that the U.S. must act to prevent rival nations from taking over the strategically important island. “If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will, and I’m not letting that happen,” he asserted, though neither country has made a claim on the territory.

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Trump expressed willingness to negotiate with Greenland, a self-governing territory under Denmark, but maintained that the U.S. would eventually acquire it. “But one way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland,” he declared.

His comments have provoked strong reactions from Denmark and other European allies, who characterized them as threats concerning the island. Greenland holds a critical position between North America and the Arctic, and the U.S. has operated a military base there since World War II. Formerly a Danish colony until 1953, Greenland achieved home rule in 1979 and has contemplated further autonomy from Denmark.

Nevertheless, the majority of its population and political factions oppose U.S. control, asserting that the decision about their future should be made by Greenlanders alone—a viewpoint Trump has often disputed. “Greenland should make the deal, because Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over,” he claimed, while downplaying the island’s defense capabilities.

“You know what their defense is, two dog sleds,” he remarked, contrasting it with the military strength of Russia and China, which he noted have “destroyers and submarines all over the place.”

Denmark’s prime minister cautioned last week that any U.S. attempt to forcibly seize Greenland would undermine eight decades of transatlantic security cooperation. Trump dismissed this concern, stating, “If it affects NATO, it affects NATO. But you know, (Greenland) needs us much more than we need them.”