WASHINGTON: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again emphasized his interest in acquiring Greenland, telling NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that the Arctic territory is vital for international security.
During a meeting in the White House Oval Office, Trump explained to Rutte, “You know, Mark, we need that for international security, not just security – international – we have a lot of our favorite players cruising around the coast, and we have to be careful.” He added, “We’ll be talking to you.”
When questioned about the possibility of annexation, Trump responded, “I think that will happen.”
Trump has consistently pushed for U.S. control over Greenland since taking office on January 20. His recent remarks suggest he may seek NATO’s involvement in his efforts to acquire the island, which is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister, Mute Egede, swiftly rejected Trump’s comments. In a Facebook post, Egede stated, “The U.S. president has once again aired the thought of annexing us. Enough is enough.”
NATO and Denmark’s embassy in Washington have not yet commented on the matter.
Public opinion in Greenland largely opposes joining the U.S., though many residents favor eventual independence from Denmark. In a recent parliamentary election, Greenland’s pro-business opposition party, Demokraatit, which advocates for a gradual approach to independence, emerged victorious. Trump described the election outcome as favorable for the United States.
Even before his presidency, Trump expressed a desire to make Greenland part of the U.S., despite Denmark’s firm stance that the territory is not for sale. Greenland’s strategic location and abundant mineral resources make it an attractive prospect for the U.S. The island lies along the shortest route between Europe and North America, a critical pathway for the U.S. ballistic missile warning system.
Trump’s proposal has also stirred controversy with Canada, as he has suggested the country could become the 51st U.S. state. Additionally, he has called for greater U.S. influence over the Panama Canal.
During their meeting, Rutte indicated that he would leave the issue of Greenland’s future to others, stating, “I don’t want to drag NATO into the debate.” He suggested that the matter should be addressed by countries in the “high north,” particularly as China and Russia increasingly utilize Arctic waterways.
Trump, however, remained persistent, noting that Denmark has refused to engage in discussions about Greenland. He hinted at the possibility of deploying additional U.S. troops to strengthen American bases on the island.
“We’ve been dealing with Denmark, we’ve been dealing with Greenland, and we have to do it. We really need it for national security. I think that’s why NATO might have to get involved in a way, because we really need Greenland for national security. It’s very important,” Trump asserted.
He also cast doubt on Denmark’s historical claim to Greenland, remarking, “You know, Denmark’s very far away and really has nothing to do. What happened, a boat landed there 200 years ago or something? And they say they have rights to it. I don’t know if that’s true. I don’t think it is.”
Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland underscores his broader strategy of expanding U.S. influence in strategically significant regions, even as it continues to spark international debate and resistance.
