Speaking to the media in Washington, Trump said ownership—not leases or treaties—was essential for national defence. “Countries have to have ownership. You defend ownership, you don’t defend leases, and we’ll have to defend Greenland,” he said. He added that while he respected the people of China and Russia, he did not want them as “neighbours in Greenland,” stressing that NATO must understand the US position or risk losing strategic ground in the Arctic.
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark with a population of about 57,000, has long been of strategic interest to Washington due to its location between North America and Europe. The island hosts the US-operated Pitufik Space Base, a key hub for missile warning, space surveillance, and Arctic monitoring. Trump argued that increased Russian and Chinese activity in Arctic waters makes full US control critical to American security.
Denmark responded forcefully. According to CNN, the Danish Defence Ministry reiterated a long-standing rule dating back to 1952, stating that Danish troops would immediately retaliate against any unprovoked attack on Danish territory, including Greenland, without waiting for further orders. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any attack on Greenland would undermine NATO and the post-World War II security order.
Greenland’s own leadership has repeatedly rejected the idea of US control. Prime Minister Jens-Fredrik Nielsen has stated that “Greenland is not for sale,” a position supported by public opinion. A survey conducted last year found that 85% of Greenlanders oppose any form of US occupation.
Reports have also emerged that the White House is considering offering financial incentives—ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per person—to Greenlandic residents as part of what officials described as a “business deal” to encourage separation from Denmark. US officials, however, said other options, including diplomatic arrangements or military measures, remain under discussion.
European leaders, including those of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland and Denmark, issued a joint statement affirming that Greenland’s future can only be decided by its people and Denmark. Diplomats from Denmark and Greenland have since met US officials in Washington to defuse tensions, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to hold talks with Danish leaders next week.
As Arctic ice melts and new sea routes and resource opportunities emerge, Greenland’s geopolitical importance continues to grow—making Trump’s remarks a flashpoint in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
