US Must Secure Greenland to Deter Russia and China, Trump Says. Photo Courtesy
US Must Secure Greenland to Deter Russia and China, Trump Says
US President Donald Trump says Washington needs to “own” Greenland to prevent Russia or China from gaining influence or control over the Arctic territory.
Trump made the comments on Friday while speaking with reporters at the White House, arguing that ownership is key to defending the island’s strategic value.
“We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” Trump said, adding that the United States would act either “the easy way” or “the hard way.”
Strategic Stakes and US Intent
Trump claims Greenland’s location makes it vital to US national security amid growing competition in the Arctic.
He has said the United States must prevent Russia or China from moving in, stating that leases or military basing rights are not enough to guarantee defence.
Under a 1951 defence agreement with Denmark, the US already maintains a significant presence in Greenland, including military personnel at Pituffik Space Base.
But Trump insists that actual ownership is necessary to secure the territory over the long term.
White House discussions have included a range of ideas, from deepening cooperation with local authorities to controversial suggestions such as encouraging Greenland to secede from Denmark.
US Must Secure Greenland to Deter Russia and China, Trump Says. Photo Courtesy
Pushback from Denmark and Europe
Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea of being sold or annexed. Copenhagen has stressed that Greenland’s future lies with its people and that decisions about the territory must be made by Denmark and Greenland alone.
European allies echoed this, saying only Denmark and Greenland can decide on their relations, and emphasizing respect for sovereignty and international law.
European leaders, including officials from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, have criticised the US rhetoric.
They stressed the importance of collective Arctic security cooperation through NATO and under international frameworks.
Local Opposition and Sovereignty Concerns
Greenland’s leaders have repeatedly said the territory is not for sale and should determine its own future without pressure from Washington.
This sentiment is shared across Greenland’s political spectrum, where many see the US comments as dismissive of self-determination.
The controversy has stirred strong feelings among indigenous communities and local political figures, who resent the idea of external claims on their land.
Some have accused the US of disrespecting Greenland’s autonomy and identity.
Geopolitical Implications
Greenland is rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals and other strategic materials, and its ice-free Arctic routes are gaining importance as global climate patterns shift.
These factors, combined with its location near key Arctic sea lanes, make the territory a focus of geopolitical competition.
Trump’s sharp remarks come amid broader tensions over great-power rivalry, particularly between the US, China, and Russia.
However, critics note that existing NATO agreements already provide substantial defence cooperation, and that annexation rhetoric could strain long-standing alliances.
