This summer, former President Donald Trump brought new attention to the idea. He vehemently wishes the United States to agree for the territory. During a recent interview, he stated, “One way or the other, we are going to have Greenland.” Trump’s remarks were made during a time of increasing geopolitical tension, especially regarding Russian and Chinese military interests in the Arctic.
Trump’s remarks included a mocking critique of Greenland’s defense capabilities, which he described as consisting of “two dog sleds.” He emphasized the rising threat from Russian and Chinese military power. He claimed that the U.S. needs a more urgent response to prevent either power from gaining a base in the area. “If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will, and I’m not letting that happen,” he reiterated.
Here’s what we learned about Trump’s opinions on Greenland and reviewing his presidency. He famously declared that he had “saved” NATO by forcing member countries to raise their defense spending. He emphasized current U.S. leadership to address the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. He portrayed these moves as key to advancing security around the world.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded swiftly and strongly to Trump’s remarks. She cautioned that Denmark is at a “fateful hour.” She argued that the U.S. interest in Greenland was a dangerous precedent and outlined what that might bring. She charged that the U.S. might be abandoning its NATO obligations. Frederiksen emphasized that “what is at stake is bigger than what the eye can see,” challenging Trump’s narrative.
In sovereignty and territorial integrity European leaders have come together to uphold the principles of sovereignty. They argue passionately that decisions regarding Greenland should be made by its citizens and Denmark. This sentiment was echoed by Aaja Chemnitz, who stated, “It is absolutely crucial we get some truths on the table.”
Building on all of these developments, there is still no clarity on what countries will do if Trump doubles down and continues to pressure Greenland. Tempers are flaring. A delegation of U.S. senators, led by Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, is on their way to Copenhagen to visit their counterparts in the Danish parliament’s Greenland committee. Murkowski took to social media to express her stance on the matter: “We have a lot to do in 2026. Taking Greenland shouldn’t be on that list.”
It’ll be marked by meetings between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and foreign ministers Lars Løkke Rasmussen from Denmark and Vivian Motzfeldt from Greenland. This key dialoge was reset to occur in Washington on Wednesday. This type of meeting is designed to defuse long-simmering worries over U.S. intentions in the Arctic.
China has gotten in on the action as well, condemning the U.S. for its desire to buy Greenland. Spokesperson Mao Ning stressed that “the Arctic concerns the overall interests of the international community,” urging nations to respect each other’s rights and freedoms in conducting lawful activities in the region.
The debate is still developing and diplomatic discussions are still underway. Just what specific, tangible strategies will take shape to prevent Trump from pushing forth with his agenda on Greenland, or how countries will react should he move further forward, is still unclear.