U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified international concern by insisting that Greenland, the vast Arctic island under Danish sovereignty, must fall under American influence “one way or the other,” citing strategic and mineral wealth considerations and purported threats from Russia and China.
“If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will, and I am not letting that happen,” AFP cited Trump telling reporters aboard Air Force One, despite no evidence that either country is attempting to assert control over the island.
Trump suggested he would be open to negotiating a deal with Greenland’s self-governing authorities, but reiterated his position: “One way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland.”
His statements have been met with shock across Europe and within NATO, as the island has hosted a U.S. military base since World War II and plays a pivotal role between North America and the Arctic.
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, warned that any U.S. attempt to take Greenland by force would jeopardise 80 years of transatlantic security collaboration.
Trump dismissed these concerns, stating, “If it affects NATO, it affects NATO. But you know, Greenland need us much more than we need them.”
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen condemned the U.S. rhetoric as “completely and utterly unacceptable” and “so disrespectful,” noting that while Greenlanders are considering eventual independence from Denmark, the majority have no desire to become part of the United States.
“Our country isn’t something you can deny or take over because you want to,” he asserted.
Trump further ridiculed Greenland’s defences, claiming they relied on “two dog sleds,” while exaggerating Russian and Chinese military presence in the region.
Nordic diplomats refuted these claims, telling the Financial Times that there is no evidence of Russian or Chinese naval operations around Greenland.
The Arctic is emerging as a zone of geopolitical competition as melting ice opens new trade routes and exposes untapped mineral resources.
China has declared itself a “near Arctic” state, while Russia continues to expand its Arctic footprint. However, analysts emphasise that neither country has made moves to seize Greenland, highlighting the largely unfounded nature of Trump’s warnings.
The Trump administration is scheduled to meet Danish officials to discuss the situation, but his statements have already provoked sharp criticism from European allies, including Sweden, and reinforced concerns about the United States’ commitment to international norms and NATO solidarity.
“If we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way,” Trump said, signalling a continued willingness to pursue the issue aggressively.
The comments underline rising tensions over Arctic sovereignty, strategic resources, and the fragile balance of power in the region.
This episode has renewed attention on Greenland’s autonomy, the strategic significance of the Arctic, and the limits of U.S. influence over allied territories in an era of intensifying global competition. - January 12, 2026
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