WASHINGTON DC (LOOTPRESS) – President Donald Trump on Friday escalated his public push for U.S. control of Greenland, saying the United States would take action to acquire the Arctic island, even over objections from its leaders and allies.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump framed Greenland as a national security imperative, arguing that failure to act would open the door for U.S. adversaries. “We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,” Trump said. “If we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor.”
Trump’s remarks followed comments earlier this week from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who said the president could use the military to “pursue this important foreign policy goal.” Those statements prompted swift pushback from European allies, who issued a joint declaration vowing to defend national sovereignty and Greenland’s territorial integrity.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark and holds significant strategic value due to its Arctic location and vast reserves of critical minerals. The United States already operates a military base on the island, and Greenlandic officials have previously said they would welcome an expanded U.S. military presence.
When asked why he had not accepted that proposal, Trump said ownership was essential. “When we own it, we defend it,” he said. “You don’t defend leases the same way. You have to own it.”
Trump declined to discuss a potential purchase price, saying negotiations were premature. “I’m not talking about money for Greenland yet,” he said. “We’re going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not.”
The renewed pressure comes a day after senior representatives from Denmark and Greenland met with White House officials to seek clarity on U.S. intentions, according to a source familiar with the discussions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland next week.
Greenland’s representative to the United States, Jacob Isbosethsen, met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Thursday and reiterated that “Greenland is not for sale.”
Later Friday, the leaders of Greenland’s five political parties issued a rare joint statement condemning the U.S. rhetoric. “We want the U.S.’s disdain for our country to end,” the statement said. “We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders.”
The leaders added that Greenland’s future must be decided by its own people “without pressure, delay or interference from other countries.”
Meanwhile, several Republican leaders on Capitol Hill said it would be inappropriate for the U.S. military to use force to take control of the island, underscoring growing unease in Congress over the president’s remarks.
