Trump Renews Threats to Use Force Over Greenland

Photo File (AI/Sora)

US President Donald Trump has once again suggested the possible use of force to seize control of Greenland, openly dismissing Denmark’s sovereignty over the autonomous Arctic island during remarks at the White House on Friday.

Speaking at a meeting with oil executives, Trump said the United States would take action on Greenland regardless of opposition. “We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,” he said, indicating that Washington could pursue either diplomatic or coercive means.

Trump stated that he would prefer a negotiated agreement but warned that military action remained an option. “I would like to make a deal, the easy way. But if we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way,” he said when questioned about Greenland.

The US president argued that controlling Greenland is essential for American national security, citing increased military activity by Russia and China in the Arctic region. He claimed that without US intervention, rival powers could seek influence over the strategically located and mineral-rich island.

Although Russia and China have expanded their Arctic presence in recent years, neither country has made any territorial claim over Greenland. The island remains an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty, while the United States already operates a military base there.

Trump’s comments sparked alarm among Denmark and its European allies. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any invasion of Greenland would undermine NATO and the post–World War II global security order. Despite the backlash, Trump downplayed Denmark’s concerns, saying he respected the country but questioned its historical claim to Greenland.

“I’m a fan of Denmark,” Trump said, adding, “But the fact that they had a boat land there 500 years ago doesn’t mean that they own the land.”

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Denmark’s foreign minister and representatives from Greenland next week, as diplomatic efforts continue amid rising tensions over Trump’s remarks.