Trump Says U.S. Must Own Greenland to Counter Russia, China Threats
U.S. President Donald Trump has said the United States needs to “own” Greenland to effectively deter growing strategic threats from Russia and China, renewing remarks he had made during his earlier presidency. Speaking in Washington, Mr. Trump argued that existing defence arrangements were insufficient to ensure Greenland’s long-term security in an increasingly contested Arctic region.
He said that while the U.S. already maintains a military presence on the island under a 1951 defence agreement with Denmark, such arrangements do not provide adequate guarantees against geopolitical competition. According to Mr. Trump, direct U.S. control would strengthen national security and protect vital shipping routes and natural resources.
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, occupies a strategic position between North America and Europe and has gained importance as melting Arctic ice opens new sea lanes. Mr. Trump’s comments are likely to provoke strong reactions from Denmark and Greenlandic leaders, who have previously rejected any suggestion of a sale.
The remarks come amid heightened global competition in the Arctic, with major powers expanding their military and economic footprint in the region.
