President Donald Trump on Sunday said the United States would take Greenland “one way or the other,” citing national security concerns and warning that Russia or China could move in if Washington did not act.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump described the mineral-rich Danish territory as strategically vital amid increasing Russian and Chinese military activity in the Arctic. “If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will, and I’m not letting that happen,” he said, despite neither country claiming the island.
Trump indicated he would be open to negotiating a deal with Greenland’s government but insisted the U.S. must secure the territory. “One way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland,” he said.
His remarks drew criticism from Denmark and European allies, who expressed shock at the idea of the U.S. asserting control over a territory with which it has long-standing historical and military ties. Greenland, a former Danish colony until 1953, gained home rule in 1979 and has debated gradually loosening its ties with Denmark. Most Greenlandic political parties and residents have insisted they want to determine their own future and do not seek U.S. control—a stance Trump repeatedly challenged.
“Greenland should make the deal, because Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over,” Trump said, mocking the island’s defenses. “You know what their defense is, two dog sleds,” he added, while noting that Russia and China have “destroyers and submarines all over the place.”
Last week, Denmark’s Prime Minister warned that any U.S. attempt to seize Greenland by force would damage 80 years of transatlantic security cooperation. Trump dismissed the warning, saying, “If it affects NATO, it affects NATO. But you know, [Greenland] need us much more than we need them.”
