President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States may be forced to take decisive action on Greenland, warning that failure to do so could allow Russia or China to gain control of the strategically located Arctic territory.
Speaking during a meeting with oil and gas executives at the White House, Trump argued that Greenland is critical to U.S. national security and framed American involvement as inevitable.
“We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,” Trump said. “Because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor.”
The president suggested that Washington’s approach could range from diplomacy to more forceful measures, adding, “We’re going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way.”
Seeking a Deal With Denmark
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which retains control over its foreign and defense policy. Trump said he maintains a positive view of Denmark but emphasized that the United States wants an agreement.
“I’m a fan of Denmark,” Trump said. “But we would like to make a deal.”
Danish and Greenlandic officials have repeatedly stated that the island is not for sale and that its future can only be decided by the people of Greenland.
Renewed Focus After Venezuela Operation
Trump’s remarks come days after a U.S.-backed military operation on Jan. 3 that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a move that has reshaped geopolitical discussions in Washington and beyond.
Following that operation, Trump reiterated his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, an idea he first floated publicly years earlier, citing its strategic location between North America and Europe, expanding Arctic shipping routes, and access to natural resources.
Strategic Importance of Greenland
Greenland occupies a key position in the Arctic, an increasingly contested region as global powers expand military and economic activity there. The United States already maintains a military presence on the island, including a major air base used for missile defense and Arctic surveillance.
Trump has argued that ownership—or significantly expanded U.S. control—is necessary to prevent rival powers from establishing a foothold near American territory.
International Reaction Expected
Trump’s comments are likely to intensify diplomatic tensions with Denmark and U.S. allies in Europe, many of whom have previously rejected any suggestion that Greenland could be acquired by another nation.
While Russia and China have increased Arctic activity in recent years, neither country has made a formal claim on Greenland. Still, the president framed the issue as a matter of urgency.
As Arctic geopolitics continue to heat up, Greenland’s future has emerged once again as a flashpoint in global power competition—and a test of how far Washington is willing to go to secure its strategic interests.
