US President Donald Trump has said that Greenland is essential for the United States, arguing that Washington must take control of the island to prevent Russia or China from gaining influence there. He claimed that bringing Greenland under US ownership is necessary for national security.

Speaking to reporters last Friday, Trump said countries must have ownership in order to provide protection. “If you own something, you protect it. Leasing is not enough,” he said, adding that Greenland needs to be secured by the United States. He stated that the issue could be resolved either through an agreement or, if that failed, through tougher measures. According to Trump, the mineral-rich Arctic island is strategically critical as Russian and Chinese military activity in the region is increasing.

Trump further warned that without US action, rival powers would eventually move in. “We are not going to let Russia or China take Greenland,” he said, repeating that Washington would act “the easy way or the hard way” if necessary.

Although Russia and China have expanded their military presence in the Arctic in recent years, neither country has formally claimed ownership of Greenland. Trump’s remarks, however, have caused concern among Denmark and other European allies.

The United States already operates a military base in Greenland, and the White House has recently said it is considering the possibility of acquiring the semi-autonomous Danish territory. Officials have not ruled out the use of force, though Denmark and Greenland have made it clear that the island is not for sale. Danish authorities have warned that any military action would signal the collapse of NATO’s transatlantic alliance.

Despite having a very small population, Greenland’s location between North America and the Arctic makes it strategically important for early missile detection and for monitoring maritime movement in the region.

Trump has repeatedly described Greenland as vital to US national security, claiming—without presenting evidence—that Russian and Chinese vessels are operating nearby. The US has more than 100 troops permanently stationed at the Pituffik base in northwest Greenland, which it has operated since World War II. Under existing agreements with Denmark, Washington already has the authority to deploy troops there as needed.

Nevertheless, Trump has argued that long-term lease agreements are insufficient. He said nations cannot rely on contracts lasting decades and must instead hold direct ownership.

“I respect the people of China and Russia,” Trump said, “but I do not want them as our neighbors in Greenland. That won’t happen, and NATO needs to understand that.”

Greenland’s political parties respond

Greenland’s political parties issued a joint statement rejecting Trump’s remarks, saying neither the United States nor Denmark has the right to decide the island’s future. They stressed that only the people of Greenland can determine their destiny.

The statement came after Trump renewed his interest in taking control of Greenland, an idea he has openly supported. All parties represented in Greenland’s parliament united in opposition, insisting that decisions about the territory belong solely to its residents.

Denmark: We will defend Greenland

According to NDTV, Danish lawmaker and parliamentary defense committee chair Rasmus Jarlov said Denmark would be forced to defend itself if the United States attacked Greenland. While acknowledging that Danish forces could not stop the US military, he described any such action as unacceptable.

In an interview, Jarlov warned that an attack would create a reckless and destructive conflict between two NATO allies. He said there was no justification for hostile rhetoric, as the US already enjoys extensive access to Greenland under existing defense agreements, including rights related to mining activities.

“There is no real need for this,” he said, expressing hope that tensions would ease and relations would return to a constructive path.

Trump first proposed purchasing Greenland during his first term in 2019, an idea that was firmly rejected at the time. After returning to office following the 2024 election, he revived the proposal, but it was once again turned down by Denmark and Greenland’s authorities.