Trump Says US Must Own Greenland to Counter Russia and China

Published: 11 January 2026 | The English Chronicle Desk | The English Chronicle Online

US President Donald Trump has insisted that the United States must “own” Greenland to prevent Russia and China from gaining a foothold in the Arctic territory, raising tensions over sovereignty and international law. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said countries must have ownership of strategic regions, arguing that lease agreements were insufficient for national security. “Countries can’t make nine-year deals or even 100-year deals,” he said. “You defend ownership, you don’t defend leases.”

Trump’s comments come amid speculation that the US administration is considering purchasing Greenland from Denmark, a semi-autonomous territory and NATO ally. White House officials have not ruled out the possibility of seizing the island by force, though Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly stated the territory is not for sale. Danish leaders warned that any military action would threaten the trans-Atlantic defense alliance.

In response, Greenlandic party leaders issued a joint statement condemning the US approach. “We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,” they said. “The future of Greenland must be decided by the Greenlandic people.” Despite its small population, Greenland’s strategic location between North America and the Arctic makes it critical for missile early warning systems and maritime monitoring.

Trump justified his stance by claiming, without evidence, that Greenland was “covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.” The US already maintains a significant military presence in Greenland, including over 100 personnel at Pituffik Air Base in the northwest, which has been operational since World War Two. Under existing agreements with Denmark, the US can deploy as many troops as needed.

Trump emphasized that NATO allies must understand the security stakes. “I love the people of China. I love the people of Russia,” he said. “But I don’t want them as a neighbour in Greenland, not going to happen.” Denmark’s NATO allies, including major European countries and Canada, reaffirmed that Greenland’s future must be decided collectively with respect for sovereignty and international law.

Interest in Greenland has grown in recent years due to its potential natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, iron, and possibly oil and gas reserves. Melting ice caused by climate change is making these resources increasingly accessible. The strategic importance of Greenland has led to renewed diplomatic activity, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio scheduled to meet Danish officials next week.

The comments follow Trump’s recent military action in Venezuela, which heightened concerns over his approach to foreign territories. This is not the first time Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland; in 2019, he proposed buying the island, only to be told it was not for sale. His latest statements suggest a more aggressive stance on Arctic security, underscoring Greenland’s significance to US geopolitical and military planning.

As debates over Arctic sovereignty continue, Greenland remains at the center of an emerging strategic rivalry, with potential implications for NATO, international law, and global resource competition. The stance taken by the US administration, juxtaposed with Greenlandic and Danish opposition, signals ongoing tension over one of the world’s most strategically important regions.