Trump Advocates Forceful Control Over Greenland Amid Rising Tensions

Trump's Controversial Remarks on Greenland

On Friday, President Donald Trump proposed the possibility of using military force to take control of Greenland, emphasizing the need for the United States to secure the territory to prevent potential occupation by Russia or China.

During a meeting at the White House with oil industry leaders, Trump stated, “We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not.” He expressed a preference for negotiating a deal but warned that if negotiations fail, the U.S. would resort to more aggressive measures.

Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous region of Denmark, is viewed by Trump as strategically important due to its mineral resources and the increasing military presence of Russia and China in the Arctic.

“We cannot allow Russia or China to take over Greenland,” Trump asserted, claiming that such an outcome would occur if the U.S. does not act decisively. He reiterated that the U.S. would pursue its interests in Greenland, either through diplomacy or force.

Despite Trump's claims, neither Moscow nor Beijing has made any territorial claims over Greenland.

Greenland has consistently expressed its desire to remain independent from U.S. control, despite the presence of a U.S. military base on the island.

Trump has previously suggested acquiring Greenland from Denmark, first bringing up the idea during his initial presidential term in 2019.

The renewed focus on Greenland follows a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, where the U.S. allegedly abducted President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on drug trafficking charges.

While Greenland enjoys self-governance, it depends on Denmark for defense and foreign policy matters.

Trump expressed admiration for Denmark, stating that the Danish government had been “very nice” to him. However, he questioned the legitimacy of Denmark's claim to Greenland based on historical events from centuries ago.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cautioned that any U.S. invasion of Greenland would jeopardize the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which includes both Denmark and the U.S. as member states committed to mutual defense.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with his Danish counterpart and Greenlandic representatives next week to discuss the situation.

On Tuesday, leaders from major European nations and Canada expressed their support for Greenland, asserting that the territory rightfully belongs to its inhabitants.