US President Donald Trump has reiterated his interest in the United States acquiring Greenland, citing national security concerns and the island's strategic importance in the Arctic. This proposition, which has reportedly included discussions about potential methods of acquisition up to and including the use of force, has been met with firm rejection from leaders in both Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, and Denmark itself. Officials from both entities emphasize Greenland's autonomy, its status within the Danish Kingdom, and the importance of adhering to international law.
President Trump's Stated Rationale and Actions
President Trump has consistently expressed interest in the United States acquiring Greenland, articulating national security as the primary motivation. He has highlighted the island's strategic location and cited a reported presence of Russian and Chinese vessels in the region. In a statement, President Trump said, "We need Greenland from a national security situation. It's so strategic. Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place," further stating, "We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defence." He has emphasized national security over potential mineral resources, stating, "We need Greenland for national security, not minerals."
In 2019, during his initial presidential term, President Trump proposed purchasing the island, an offer that was declined. He reportedly renewed this interest in January 2025 and has not excluded the use of force as a potential method of acquisition. This position has reportedly caused concern in Denmark, a NATO ally.
Official actions reflecting this interest include:
- In March 2025, Vice-President JD Vance visited Greenland, delivering a speech that accused Denmark of insufficient investment in the territory's protection.
- In late 2025, President Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland. Mr. Landry has publicly discussed the island's potential integration into the United States.
- The White House has confirmed discussions regarding options for acquiring Greenland, including the possibility of military action. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly stated that the tough rhetoric is a negotiating tactic for a potential sale.
President Trump has asserted that a lease agreement for military presence was insufficient, requiring "ownership" of the island.
Greenland's Strategic Significance and Resources
Greenland, the world's largest non-continental island, is located in the Arctic between North America and Europe. It has a population of approximately 56,000 to 57,000, predominantly indigenous Inuit people, with most residing on the southwestern coast. About 80% of its landmass is covered by ice.
The island's strategic location is considered critical for US defense, particularly concerning potential missile routes over the North Pole and for early warning systems against missile attacks and monitoring regional vessel activity. Geopolitical analyses, such as a paper from the Arctic Institute, have recommended an increased US presence in the Arctic to counter developing Chinese and Russian Arctic military capabilities.
Greenland's economy is largely based on fishing and receives substantial subsidies from the Danish government. The island possesses natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, iron, and oil and gas deposits, which may become more accessible as the ice sheet melts due to global warming. The melting ice also makes Arctic waters more navigable for shipping routes.
The United States has maintained a military presence in Greenland for decades. The Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) has been operated by the US since World War Two. A 1951 defense agreement with Denmark provided the US with a significant role in Greenland's defense, including rights to construct and maintain military bases and deploy additional troops as needed. Currently, the US maintains over 100 military personnel at the Pituffik base, a reduction from approximately 10,000 personnel during the Cold War. Denmark disputes US claims of inadequate security for the island.
Historical Context and Autonomy
Greenland has been under Danish control for approximately 300 years, functioning as a colony until 1953, when it became part of the Kingdom of Denmark, granting Greenlanders Danish citizenship. In 1979, a home rule referendum established Greenland's control over most internal policies, with Denmark retaining authority over foreign affairs and defense. A 2009 agreement further granted Greenland the right to declare independence but noted its significant reliance on Danish subsidies. Denmark has faced historical criticism for its treatment of the local population, including a recent apology for the forced prescription of birth control to Indigenous Greenlandic women.
US interest in acquiring Greenland dates back to the 19th century, with several historical attempts:
- 1867: US Secretary of State William H. Seward proposed purchasing Greenland and Iceland from Denmark after the US acquisition of Alaska.
- 1917: Consideration occurred during the purchase of the US Virgin Islands from Denmark.
- World War II: The US occupied Greenland for national security purposes after Nazi Germany occupied mainland Denmark. This arrangement concluded in 1949 when Denmark joined NATO, and the US agreed to relinquish claims to permanent presence.
- 1946/Post-WWII: The Truman administration offered Denmark $100 million for the territory.
Reactions from Greenland and Denmark
Statements from Greenlandic and Danish leaders have consistently rejected the US proposition:
- Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen stated in early 2026, "No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation. We are open to dialogue... But this must happen through the proper channels and with respect for international law." He further characterized President Trump's remarks linking Greenland to Venezuela and military intervention as incorrect and disrespectful, affirming, "Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed by the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States." He also indicated that if a choice were necessary "here and now," Greenland would choose Denmark.
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that "the US has no right to annex any of the three nations in the Danish kingdom." She asserted that discussing the US acquiring Greenland "makes absolutely no sense" and urged the US to cease remarks against an ally. Prime Minister Frederiksen has also cautioned that military force would jeopardize the transatlantic defense alliance and indicated that a US takeover would signify the end of the NATO alliance. She condemned "completely unacceptable pressure from our closest ally."
Public sentiment in Greenland, as reported, frequently expresses the belief that "Greenland belongs to Greenlanders." Residents in the capital, Nuuk, have conveyed a strong desire for the island to be left undisturbed, with some expressing apprehension regarding potential US military action, citing past interventions. One Greenlander reportedly described President Trump as "crazy," while others desired to be "left alone." Reports indicate approximately 85% of Greenlanders express opposition to a US takeover. The issue also became a central topic during the territory's general election in 2025. All five political parties in Greenland's parliament have expressed opposition to the territory becoming part of the US.
While many Greenlanders oppose a US takeover, a significant number also favor independence from Denmark, seeking a greater voice in domestic and foreign policy despite appreciating Danish subsidies. Pipaluk Lynge-Rasmussen, co-chair of Greenland's foreign affairs committee and an MP with a pro-independence party, emphasized the importance of Greenlanders articulating their desires and using the international spotlight to advance their priorities. Conversely, Jorgen Boassen, described as "Donald Trump's Greenlandic son," suggested a "free association" agreement, granting Greenland independence while the United States assumes authority over its defense and foreign affairs, arguing that the Danes are not adequately protecting the Arctic.
International Support and Diplomatic Outlook
Denmark's NATO allies, including major European countries and Canada, have voiced support, stating that "only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations." They have emphasized the importance of Arctic security through collective efforts among allies and called for upholding UN Charter principles, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders. Greenland is covered by NATO's protections, implying that an attack on Greenland would be considered an attack on all NATO members.
Upcoming diplomatic engagements include a scheduled meeting between Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen with US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also slated to meet with Danish officials to discuss the territory's future. The hope expressed by some Greenlandic politicians is that these meetings will lead to understanding and compromise, potentially resulting in increased business cooperation, trade, mining partnerships, or more American military bases in Greenland.