Trump's Greenland Ambitions: A Strategic Move Against Russia and China

Sun Jan 11 2026 16:15:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump claims the U.S. must 'own' Greenland to prevent adversaries like Russia and China from gaining influence, sparking geopolitical tensions and Denmark's staunch opposition.

In a bold statement, President Donald Trump has urged for U.S. ownership of Greenland, asserting it's crucial for national security amid rising concerns from adversaries like Russia and China. While his administration has hinted at potential purchase negotiations, Denmark and Greenland have firmly declared the territory is not for sale. As tensions escalate, Greenland's leaders emphasize their desire for autonomy and self-determination, highlighting the island's strategic importance in the Arctic region.

President Donald Trump has announced that the U.S. needs to own Greenland to prevent Russia and China from expanding their influence in the region. During a recent press conference, he stated, Countries have to have ownership and you defend ownership, you don't defend leases. And we'll have to defend Greenland.” He emphasized that the U.S. would pursue this objective the easy way or the hard way, reflecting his administration's consideration of purchasing the semi-autonomous territory.

Greenland is a territory of Denmark, which has responded to Trump's comments by firmly stating that the island is not for sale. The Danish government has also warned that any military aggression from the U.S. would jeopardize transatlantic alliances. Local leaders in Greenland have called for a cessation of U.S. disregard for their autonomy, insisting that decisions about the island’s future must rest with its people.

Despite its sparse population, Greenland's strategic location is significant for U.S. national security, particularly concerning early warning systems against missile attacks and monitoring maritime activity in the Arctic. Trump has described Greenland as vital to American interests, noting the presence of Russian and Chinese ships in the area.

The U.S. has maintained a military presence in Greenland, operating a base since World War II. Trump has criticized existing lease agreements, suggesting that long-term ownership is necessary for security stability. His comments come amidst renewed discussions about the geopolitical importance of Greenland, particularly as climate change opens up access to its natural resources.

Greenlandic officials are asserting their commitment to national identity, stating, We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders. They emphasize that their future must be determined by the Greenlandic people without external interference.

As Trump and his administration navigate this contentious issue, Denmark's NATO allies have expressed solidarity with Copenhagen, reinforcing that only Denmark and Greenland can dictate matters regarding their territory.