U.S. President Donald Trump has once again reiterated his ambition to acquire Greenland for the United States, stating it is essential for international security and hinting that the U.S. will obtain it “one way or another.”
Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has repeatedly rejected Trump’s overtures, insisting it is not for sale. However, Trump remains undeterred, continuing to promote the acquisition as a strategic necessity.
In a recent interview from the White House on March 28, Trump made his most direct case yet for why he believes the U.S. must control Greenland. Speaking from the Oval Office, he said, “We need Greenland. Very importantly, for international security, we have to have Greenland. It’s not a question of, ‘Do you think we can do without it?’ We can’t.”
Trump cited concerns over Russian and Chinese naval activity in the Arctic waters around Greenland: “If you look at Greenland right now, if you look at the waterways, you have Chinese and Russian ships all over the place, and we’re not going to be able to do that. We’re not relying on Denmark or anybody else to take care of that situation.”
He emphasized that the matter is not only of national but global importance: “We’re not talking about peace for the United States. We’re talking about world peace. We’re talking about international security.”
Trump’s persistence has sparked tension between the U.S. and Denmark, especially following an unannounced visit by U.S. Senator JD Vance to a U.S. military base in Greenland. The trip drew criticism from Greenland’s Acting Prime Minister Mute Egede, who clarified: “Just for the record, the government of Greenland has not extended any invitations for any visits, neither private nor official.”
Earlier this month, during an address to a joint session of Congress, Trump delivered a message directly to the people of Greenland, expressing U.S. support for their right to self-determination. He declared: “We strongly support your right to determine your own future. If you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America.”
He added with a promise and a warning: “I think we’re going to get it – one way or the other, we’re going to get it… We will keep you safe. We will make you rich and together we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before.”
Despite the repeated denials from both Denmark and Greenland, Trump’s comments suggest he is willing to continue pressing the issue, citing global security and strategic interests as key motivations.
