Greenland security: Trump stresses US control of Arctic island

Published: 15 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Donald Trump has insisted that Greenland security remains essential for the United States, warning that Denmark cannot adequately protect the strategically located island. In remarks following high-level discussions with Danish and Greenlandic officials, Trump emphasised that the United States must maintain direct influence over Greenland to counter potential threats from Russia and China. The president’s comments, made in the Oval Office on Wednesday, underscored Washington’s strategic concerns and reflected a stark divergence in viewpoints between the US, Copenhagen, and Nuuk regarding Greenland’s political future.

“Greenland is very important for national security, including Denmark’s protection,” Trump told reporters, stressing that the US has capabilities far beyond Denmark’s to safeguard the island. He also referenced recent events in Venezuela as evidence of American military superiority, highlighting the risks posed by foreign powers in the Arctic region. These remarks made clear that Greenland security is a top priority for his administration, as he continues to insist on a prominent US role.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed frustration with the US approach, stating that Greenland’s sovereignty must be respected. “It is absolutely not necessary for the United States to seize Greenland,” Rasmussen said, adding that Copenhagen remains committed to defending the territory’s self-governing status. The Danish minister further criticised Trump’s language as suggestive of conquest, urging the White House to pursue “respectful” cooperation rather than unilateral ambitions. The minister also confirmed plans to enhance Danish military presence in Greenland to strengthen Greenland security and deter potential interference from foreign powers.

European allies have largely backed Denmark in this dispute, with France, Germany, and Norway pledging contributions to a multinational force led by Copenhagen. The Danish defence ministry clarified that the coalition would include aircraft, naval vessels, and soldiers, reinforcing Greenland security without escalating conflict. These moves aim to counterbalance Trump’s insistence on a US-led approach, which continues to strain transatlantic relations despite ongoing NATO frameworks designed to ensure collective defence.

During the Washington talks, a working group was agreed upon to explore solutions that balance US security concerns with Denmark’s sovereignty. Rasmussen emphasised the importance of this group to manage differences without infringing on Greenlandic self-determination, while Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt stressed the need for diplomacy over coercion. Observers noted the meeting’s timing and structure, with Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosting Danish and Greenlandic officials, as indicative of strategic pressure from the US side.

Trump also reiterated his belief that it would be “unacceptable” for Greenland to fall under any nation other than the United States. He argued that the territory’s integration into US defence plans would strengthen NATO capabilities, describing it as vital for the missile defence system he envisions. Earlier public posts on social media reinforced this narrative, including imagery portraying Greenland’s strategic position in the Arctic and underlining the administration’s commitment to Greenland security.

Analysts have suggested that a US acquisition of Greenland could cost up to $700 billion, a figure that has raised concerns among policymakers and economists alike. European officials, meanwhile, downplayed the likelihood of a direct American takeover, highlighting the practical and diplomatic obstacles inherent in any unilateral action. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen underscored this point, noting the hypothetical nature of military intervention while confirming Denmark’s intent to establish a permanent military presence on the island.

The controversy traces back to 2019, when Trump first publicly suggested a potential takeover. Since then, his rhetoric has intensified, sparking concern within NATO and the European Union. EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have voiced support for Greenland’s self-governance, stressing that the island belongs to its people. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this stance, warning that any infringement on Danish sovereignty would have serious diplomatic repercussions across Europe.

Greenlandic leadership has consistently affirmed its commitment to Denmark and the EU. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated that Greenland will not be governed by Washington, prioritising peaceful dialogue and cooperative engagement. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighted the challenge of resisting pressure from a powerful ally, reinforcing that borders cannot be altered by force, regardless of the countries involved. These statements align with public sentiment in both Greenland and Denmark, which broadly oppose US military intervention or annexation.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday reinforced this reality, showing that only 17% of Americans supported Trump’s push to assert control over Greenland. Majorities of both Democratic and Republican respondents rejected military action, with only 4% overall considering it a viable option. The poll underscores the domestic and international challenges facing the administration as it seeks to secure Greenland security as part of broader national security objectives.

Despite these challenges, Trump continues to assert the island’s strategic importance. Experts point to Greenland’s mineral wealth, Arctic shipping routes, and military potential as key factors driving US interest. Meanwhile, Denmark and its European partners remain committed to maintaining sovereignty over the territory, reinforcing regional stability and signalling a robust commitment to international law. The clash highlights the enduring tension between US security priorities and the principles of self-determination for smaller nations, reflecting broader questions about global power dynamics in the Arctic.

The discussions on Greenland have illuminated a fundamental disagreement between Washington and its allies regarding the Arctic’s strategic future. While the United States views the island as indispensable for national security, European partners advocate for collaborative, rules-based approaches that respect sovereignty and regional stability. As talks continue, the balance between American strategic ambitions and Danish-Greenlandic governance will remain a focal point of transatlantic diplomacy, with potential implications for NATO cohesion and Greenland security for years to come.

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