US President Donald Trump on Wednesday once again renewed his call for the United States to take control of Greenland, claiming the Arctic island is strategically vital for global security but ‘not important’ for Denmark.The remarks came as Trump has reiterated the demand several times reviving a long-running dispute that has strained ties between Washington and Copenhagen and drawn criticism from European allies.Speaking alongside Mark Rutte during a Nato meeting, Trump argued that the United States should never have returned Greenland to Denmark after the Second World War.“Greenland is very important for the United States but it’s not important for Denmark. In fact, when Denmark was overrun by the Nazis in less than one day… they asked us to take care of Greenland,” Trump said.“We shouldn’t have given it back to them because we’re the ones that need it. We need it for protection of the world—not just the United States,” he added.During the exchange, Rutte said he understood Trump’s concerns over Arctic security and observed that both sides had previously agreed to increase the US military presence in Greenland. He also said the arrangement would be implemented in phases. Trump, however, reiterated that he remained dissatisfied with Nato before Rutte responded with praise for the US president, prompting Trump to joke, “That’s why I like him.“
Trump repeats Greenland push
Trump’s latest remarks follow similar comments made on Tuesday, when he said Greenland ‘should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark’ while meeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.He argued that Denmark was not investing enough in Greenland and claimed the island’s location had become increasingly important because of growing Chinese and Russian activity in the Arctic.“Denmark doesn’t spend money to really help Greenland, but it’s an important part for the United States,” Trump had said, adding that Greenland was surrounded by Chinese and Russian ships and was critical to US national security.
Why Trump wants Greenland
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is an autonomous territory of Denmark located between North America and Europe. It occupies a strategically important position in the Arctic and sits along key North Atlantic sea routes.The island is also rich in rare earth minerals, oil and gas resources, while melting Arctic ice is expected to open new shipping routes, increasing its geopolitical importance. The United States already maintains a military presence there under a 1951 defence agreement with Denmark.Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is essential for US national security, citing increasing competition in the Arctic involving Russia and China. While he has at times acknowledged the island’s mineral wealth, he has consistently maintained that security, rather than natural resources, is the primary reason behind his interest.
Denmark rejects Trump’s demand
Trump’s renewed calls have repeatedly been rejected by Denmark and Greenland’s leadership.Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said Greenland is ‘not for sale’ and stressed that Denmark expects its allies to respect Danish sovereignty.Greenland’s government has also consistently opposed any proposal for the territory to become part of the United States, while opinion polls have shown overwhelming public opposition among Greenlanders to such a move.Trump first floated the idea of acquiring Greenland during his first presidential term in 2019 and revived it after returning to office, describing US ownership or control of the Arctic territory as an ‘absolute necessity’ for national security. His repeated remarks have remained a source of diplomatic friction between the United States, Denmark and several European allies.