US, Jan 10 : President Donald Trump has once again raised the prospect of the United States taking control of Greenland, arguing that failure to act would allow Russia or China to expand their influence in the strategically critical Arctic region.
Speaking to reporters during a meeting with senior oil and gas executives, Trump said the US would not accept Moscow or Beijing becoming its “neighbours” through Greenland.
“We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not, because 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 neighbour,” Trump said.
He added that while he would prefer negotiations, Washington was prepared to act forcefully if required. “I would like to make a deal the easy way, but if we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way,” he said.
Trump questions Denmark’s claim
Trump also questioned Denmark’s claim over Greenland, describing it as outdated while stressing his personal regard for Copenhagen.
“I’m a fan of Denmark. They’ve been very nice to me,” he said, before adding, “The fact that they had a boat land there 500 years ago doesn’t mean that they own the land. We had lots of boats go there also.”
Framing Greenland as a security necessity, Trump cited what he described as increasing Russian and Chinese military activity near the island, including naval vessels and submarines. He warned that the US would not allow either country to occupy or dominate the territory.
“We will do something with Greenland either the nice way or the difficult way,” he said.
‘You defend ownership, not leases’
When asked why the US would need to “own” Greenland rather than expand its existing military presence, Trump argued that ownership was essential for defence.
“When we own it, we defend it. You don’t defend leases the same way,” he said. “Countries have to have ownership, and you defend ownership.”
Trump also claimed the issue should concern NATO, asserting that the alliance owed its survival to his leadership. “I’m all for NATO. I saved it. If it weren’t for me, NATO would not be there,” he said.
Greenland back at centre of US Arctic strategy
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, is rich in rare earth minerals, uranium and iron, and has long been viewed by Washington as strategically vital due to its location in the Arctic.
Trump first proposed buying Greenland in 2019 during his previous presidency, an idea that was swiftly rejected by both Denmark and Greenland’s leadership. His latest remarks indicate a renewed push to revisit the island’s status as part of a broader effort to counter Russian and Chinese influence.
Drawing parallels with US actions elsewhere, Trump said similar measures were necessary to prevent rivals from gaining ground. Referring to a recent operation involving Venezuela, he said China or Russia would have expanded their presence there if the US had not intervened.
Criticism of wind energy and international bodies
During the same interaction, Trump also criticised wind energy, particularly in Europe, calling it unprofitable and environmentally damaging. He claimed most wind turbines were manufactured in China, while Beijing relied on coal, oil, gas and nuclear power domestically.
The remarks come days after Trump signed a presidential memorandum directing the US to withdraw from several international organisations and treaties deemed “contrary to the interests” of the country.
According to the White House, the US will exit 35 non-UN organisations and 31 UN linked bodies, including the India and France led International Solar Alliance, environmental groups such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, as well as several energy and security forums.