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Trump demands US sovereignty over Greenland
US President Donald Trump declared on Friday that Washington must secure ownership of Greenland to prevent Russia and China from gaining influence in the strategically vital Arctic territory. Speaking to reporters, he dismissed lease agreements as insufficient, warning the US would act "the easy way or the hard way."
Denmark and Greenland reject US claims
Greenland's political leaders, including opposition parties, issued a joint statement Friday night rejecting Trump's assertions. "We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes-we want to be Greenlanders," they said, insisting the island's future must be decided by its people.
Denmark, a NATO ally, has repeatedly stated Greenland is not for sale. Danish officials warned that any military action by the US would jeopardize the trans-Atlantic defense alliance. Major European NATO members, including Canada, have backed Denmark, emphasizing that sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected under the UN Charter.
Strategic importance fuels US interest
Greenland's location between North America and the Arctic makes it critical for missile defense and maritime monitoring. Trump claimed, without evidence, that Russian and Chinese vessels were "all over" the territory, framing US control as essential to national security.
The US already maintains a permanent military presence at Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland, with over 100 personnel stationed there under existing agreements with Denmark. However, Trump argued that leases-even long-term ones-were inadequate. "Countries can't make nine-year deals or even 100-year deals," he said. "They have to have ownership."
Diplomatic tensions escalate
Trump's remarks follow his administration's renewed push to acquire Greenland, first floated in 2019. That proposal was swiftly rejected by Denmark. This week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Danish officials, though the agenda remains unclear.
NATO allies have expressed alarm over Trump's rhetoric, particularly after the US used military force in Venezuela last weekend to oust President Nicolás Maduro. European leaders stressed that Arctic security must be pursued collectively, not through unilateral actions.
Climate change heightens economic stakes
Melting ice has increased access to Greenland's natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron. Scientists also believe the territory may hold significant oil and gas reserves. The shifting geopolitical landscape has intensified competition for control of the Arctic region.
"I love the people of China. I love the people of Russia. But I don't want them as a neighbor in Greenland-not going to happen."
Donald Trump, US President
