Former US President Donald Trump says US needs to “own” Greenland in order to prevent Russia and China from gaining a strategic foothold in the Arctic, reigniting a controversial geopolitical debate that has alarmed Nato allies and drawn sharp rejection from both Denmark and Greenland.
Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump argued that ownership—not leases or agreements—was essential for national defense. “Countries have to have ownership and you defend ownership,” he said, adding that Greenland would need to be defended by the United States. Trump warned that the US would pursue the goal “the easy way or the hard way,” comments that immediately raised concerns across Europe.
The White House has confirmed that the administration is exploring options to acquire Greenland, including a potential purchase from Denmark, while not ruling out more aggressive alternatives. Both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea, stating that the territory is not for sale and that any use of force would fundamentally undermine the trans-Atlantic alliance.
Why Trump Says the US Needs to Own Greenland
Trump says the US needs to own Greenland because of what he describes as increasing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic region. Although he offered no evidence, Trump claimed the island was “covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place,” asserting that US ownership was necessary to counter growing geopolitical competition.
Greenland’s strategic location between North America and Europe makes it a critical point for early-warning missile defense systems and Arctic surveillance. The island sits along key emerging shipping routes that are becoming more accessible as Arctic ice melts due to climate change.
The US already maintains a military presence at the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, where more than 100 American personnel are stationed. Under long-standing defense agreements with Denmark, the US has the right to increase troop levels if necessary. However, Trump dismissed existing arrangements, saying lease agreements were insufficient to guarantee long-term security.
“Countries can’t make nine-year deals or even 100-year deals,” Trump said. “They have to have ownership.”
Denmark and Greenland Reject US Ownership Claims
Both Denmark and Greenland have strongly rejected Trump’s statements. Danish officials have warned that any attempt by the US to annex Greenland by force would effectively end Nato as it exists today.
Greenland’s political leaders issued a rare joint statement, uniting government and opposition parties in opposition to US claims. They emphasized that Greenland’s future must be determined solely by its own people.
“We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,” the statement said. “The future of Greenland must be decided by the Greenlandic people.”
Greenland, despite being the world’s largest island, has a population of just under 60,000. While many residents support eventual independence from Denmark, public opinion surveys show overwhelming opposition to becoming part of the United States.
Nato Allies Rally Behind Denmark
Trump’s remarks have triggered swift responses from Nato allies across Europe and North America. Several major countries, including France, Germany, the UK, Canada, and Italy, have publicly reaffirmed their support for Denmark and Greenland’s sovereignty.
In coordinated statements, allies stressed that Arctic security must be achieved collectively through Nato rather than through unilateral actions. They also reiterated their commitment to international law, including respect for territorial integrity and national borders as outlined in the UN Charter.
Trump, however, suggested that Nato would need to “understand” the US position, arguing that American security interests should take priority. His comments have intensified debate about the future cohesion of the alliance if US policy continues to diverge from European consensus.
Strategic Importance of Greenland in Global Politics
Trump says the US needs to own Greenland largely because of its growing importance in global power competition. As climate change accelerates Arctic ice melt, Greenland is emerging as a key hub for shipping lanes, natural resources, and military positioning.
The island is believed to hold vast reserves of rare earth minerals, uranium, iron ore, and potentially oil and gas. These resources are increasingly sought after by global powers, particularly China, which has invested heavily in Arctic research and infrastructure across the region.
Russia, meanwhile, has expanded its military presence in the Arctic, reopening Soviet-era bases and increasing patrols. US defense analysts view Greenland as a crucial monitoring point for both Russian missile activity and Chinese commercial expansion.
Trump’s History With Greenland
This is not the first time Trump has suggested US ownership of Greenland. During his first term in 2019, he described acquiring the island as “essentially a large real estate deal.” That proposal was quickly rejected by Denmark, leading to diplomatic tensions and the cancellation of a planned state visit.
Concerns about Greenland resurfaced following recent US military actions elsewhere, including the controversial seizure of Venezuela’s president during a US-led operation. Critics argue that such actions have heightened fears that Trump’s Greenland rhetoric could escalate beyond diplomacy.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to hold talks with Danish officials in the coming days, signaling an attempt to manage the fallout and clarify US intentions.
What Happens Next?
While the White House insists no immediate military action is planned, Trump’s remarks have raised serious questions about the future of US-European relations and Arctic governance. Denmark has signaled it will defend Greenland’s status through diplomatic channels, while Nato allies seek to prevent further escalation.
Experts warn that continued pressure could destabilize Arctic cooperation at a time when collective security is increasingly important. Whether the issue leads to renewed negotiations, heightened tensions, or a recalibration of US Arctic strategy remains uncertain.
Trump says the US needs to own Greenland to counter Russia and China, but the proposal has been firmly rejected by Greenland, Denmark, and much of the international community. The controversy highlights the growing strategic importance of the Arctic, as well as the challenges facing Nato unity and international law in an era of renewed great-power competition.
As global attention turns northward, Greenland’s future remains a powerful symbol of sovereignty, security, and the complex balance between national interests and international cooperation.
Coverage of Trump says US needs to own Greenland is part of ongoing geopolitical reporting by FFRNEWS Politics, which closely tracks global security developments and international diplomacy. Related analysis on Arctic strategy, Nato tensions, and US foreign policy can also be found across FFRNEWS Politics and international affairs coverage.
The story has been widely reported by BBC News, and other international outlets, which continue to provide updates on diplomatic responses, security implications, and reactions from Greenlandic communities affected by the escalating rhetoric.
