US, Jan 12 : President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated his determination to acquire Greenland, citing growing strategic threats from Russia and China in the Arctic region. He said the United States must take control of the territory to prevent rival powers from establishing dominance there.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will,” adding firmly, “And I’m not letting that happen.”
Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty, is considered strategically vital due to its Arctic location, proximity to emerging shipping lanes, and importance in future military and security calculations.
‘One way or the other, we are going to have Greenland’
Trump suggested that US control of Greenland was inevitable, indicating that he preferred a negotiated outcome but was firm on the objective.
“One way or the other, we are going to have Greenland,” he said. When asked about a possible agreement, Trump replied, “I would love to make a deal with them. It’s easier.”
However, he added that Greenland should take the initiative. “I haven’t done that, but Greenland should make the deal,” he said.
Clarifying Washington’s intent, Trump ruled out any temporary arrangement. “We’re talking about acquiring, not leasing, not having it short-term. We’re talking about acquiring,” he said.
Security concerns in the Arctic
Trump also downplayed Greenland’s current defence capabilities, remarking that its security amounted to “basically two dog sleds,” while contrasting it with increased Russian and Chinese naval activity in the Arctic.
He claimed that Russia and China were deploying destroyers and submarines across the region, warning that their growing presence posed a serious security risk. Recent years have seen heightened geopolitical competition in the Arctic, driven by climate change, new maritime routes and access to natural resources.
Trump’s renewed comments are likely to intensify diplomatic tensions with Denmark and European allies, who have repeatedly rejected the idea of selling or ceding Greenland, while underscoring Washington’s hardening stance on Arctic security.