US President Donald Trump has once again raised the idea of the United States taking control of Greenland, insisting the Arctic island is vital to American national security, despite firm opposition from Denmark and Greenland’s leaders.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the US “needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security,” repeating earlier claims that the territory’s strategic location and mineral resources make it essential to American defence interests.
The comments drew a sharp response from Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens Frederik Nielsen, who dismissed the idea outright and warned Washington to end what he described as escalating pressure.
“That’s enough now,” Nielsen said, calling the suggestion of US control over Greenland a “fantasy.” He stressed that while Greenland remains open to dialogue and cooperation, any discussions must respect international law and proper diplomatic processes.
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, also rejected Trump’s remarks, stating that the United States has no right to annex any part of the Danish kingdom. She emphasised that Denmark and Greenland are both covered by Nato’s collective defence guarantee and noted that an existing defence agreement already allows the US military access to the island.
Tensions rose further after a social media post by Katie Miller, the wife of Trump adviser Stephen Miller, showed a map of Greenland coloured like the American flag alongside the word “SOON.” Denmark’s ambassador to the US responded by reminding Washington that the two countries are allies and calling for respect for Denmark’s territorial integrity.
The renewed dispute over Greenland comes amid heightened global concern following a major US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and their transfer to New York. Trump later said the US would “run” Venezuela, with American oil companies benefiting from the country’s resources.
The developments have reignited fears that the US could consider using force to secure Greenland, a move Trump has previously refused to rule out. His administration has argued that Greenland’s Arctic position and vast mineral reserves are critical to future technological and military dominance.
Denmark has expressed anger over the Trump administration’s decision to appoint a special envoy to Greenland, viewing the move as provocative.
Greenland, home to about 57,000 people, has enjoyed extensive self-rule since 1979, though defence and foreign policy remain under Danish control. While many Greenlanders support eventual independence, opinion polls consistently show strong opposition to becoming part of the United States.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the future of Greenland rests solely with Greenland and Denmark, stressing that no outside power has the authority to decide the territory’s fate.
Meanwhile, the European Union has rejected Trump’s claim that the bloc “needs” the US to control Greenland. A European Commission spokesperson said there had been no discussions supporting such a position and dismissed the assertion entirely.