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President Donald Trump on Friday escalated his rhetoric over Greenland, declaring that the United States will take action to acquire the Arctic territory regardless of opposition from Denmark or Greenland’s government.
“We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor.”
Trump’s comments marked his most explicit assertion yet that the U.S. intends to obtain the strategically vital territory, which is a semi-autonomous region of Denmark and a longtime U.S. ally.
The remarks came days after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump could use the military to “pursue this important foreign policy goal,” prompting alarm among U.S. allies. Major European powers — including Denmark, France and Germany — responded with a joint statement this week pledging to defend Greenland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Strategic importance and ownership claim
Greenland is home to roughly 50,000 people and holds significant military and economic value, including rare earth minerals and a critical position in the Arctic. The U.S. already operates a military base on the island, and Greenlandic officials have said they would welcome an expanded American military presence.
When asked Friday why he has not accepted that proposal, Trump argued that ownership — not partnership — is necessary for security.
“When we own it, we defend it. You don’t defend leases the same way. You have to own it,” Trump said during the public portion of a White House meeting with oil and gas executives.
“We’re not going to allow Russia or China to occupy Greenland, and that’s what’s going to happen if we don’t own it,” he added.
Trump declined to discuss a purchase price for the territory.
“I’m not talking about money for Greenland yet,” he said. “We’re going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not.”
Diplomatic fallout grows
The president’s comments followed meetings this week between White House officials and senior representatives from Denmark and Greenland, who sought clarity on U.S. intentions, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet next week with the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland.
Greenland’s representative to the United States, Jacob Isbosethsen, met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Thursday and reiterated that the territory is not available for acquisition.
“Greenland is not for sale,” Isbosethsen said after the meeting.
Late Friday, the leaders of Greenland’s five political parties issued a rare joint statement condemning Trump’s remarks.
“The U.S.’s disdain for our country must end,” the statement said. “We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes. We want to be Greenlanders.”
The leaders added that Greenland’s future must be determined “without pressure, delay or interference from other countries.”
Republican unease on Capitol Hill
While Trump has framed Greenland as a national security imperative, Republican leaders in Congress have expressed discomfort with the idea of using military force against a NATO ally.
Several GOP lawmakers have said publicly that any attempt to seize Greenland militarily would be inappropriate and could fracture the alliance.
Trump, however, has continued to portray the issue as a matter of urgency, tying it to broader warnings about Russia and China expanding their influence in the Arctic.
