Trump reiterates desire for a U.S. Greenland despite Danish objections

Monday 05 January 2026 - 08:00

By: Sahili Aya

Trump reiterates desire for a U.S. Greenland despite Danish objections

Former U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed on Sunday his wish for Greenland to come under American control, despite firm objections from Denmark, which has urged Washington to stop what it describes as threats against the autonomous territory.

Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump argued that Greenland is essential to U.S. national security and questioned Denmark’s ability to manage the strategically located Arctic island. He suggested that discussions over Greenland’s future could advance in the coming weeks, once again highlighting the territory’s importance for American defense interests.

Concerns over Greenland have intensified following the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, which drew attention to Trump’s interest in countries rich in natural resources. Greenland is known for its significant mineral reserves and its strategic position in the Arctic, making it a focal point in global geopolitical competition.

Earlier, Trump commented in an interview that it was up to America’s partners to assess the implications of recent U.S. actions for Greenland, while reiterating that the territory is vital for U.S. defense. These remarks prompted a strong response from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who warned against questioning the sovereignty of a long-standing ally.

In a statement, Frederiksen stressed that Greenland is not for sale and called the idea of U.S. control “absurd.” She reminded Washington that Denmark, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands, is a member of NATO and benefits from the alliance’s collective security guarantees.

Tensions were further fueled by a social media post showing Greenland colored like the U.S. flag, which Danish and Greenlandic officials described as disrespectful. Greenland’s leaders reiterated that the island’s future must be decided by its own people, the majority of whom have repeatedly rejected the idea of becoming part of the United States.