WASHINGTON, Jan 9 — President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States must take control of Greenland to prevent Russia or China from gaining influence over the strategically important Arctic territory.
Speaking at the White House during a meeting with oil industry executives, Trump said U.S. ownership of Greenland is necessary to guarantee its security, warning that existing defense agreements are not enough to deter rival powers.
“If we don’t do it, Russia or China will,” Trump said, adding that the U.S. would not accept either country becoming a neighboring presence near American territory.
The United States already operates military facilities on Greenland under a defense pact signed with Denmark in 1951. But Trump argued that such arrangements fall short of ensuring long-term protection. Greenland, with a population of roughly 57,000, governs itself but remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
“You protect ownership, not leases,” Trump said. “We will have to defend Greenland.”
According to Trump and senior White House officials, the administration has explored several options to bring Greenland under U.S. control. These discussions have reportedly included military considerations and financial incentives aimed at encouraging Greenlanders to separate from Denmark and potentially align with the United States.
Trump’s remarks have sparked strong opposition across Europe. Leaders in Denmark and several other NATO countries criticized the idea, emphasizing that Greenland’s political future can only be decided by Greenland and Denmark. The U.S. and Denmark are both NATO allies and are bound by a mutual defense commitment.
Reporting by Bo Erickson; Writing by Ryan Patrick Jones; Editing by Christian Martinez
