President Donald Trump ramps up Greenland takeover push, stoking new NATO and Arctic tensions
TOI GLOBAL | Jan 13, 2026, 19:56 IST
President Donald Trump has revived his controversial push for the United States to acquire Greenland, insisting that ownership — not partnership — is necessary to prevent Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed Denmark’s ability to defend the autonomous territory and brushed aside NATO’s role, framing the issue as a matter of U.S. strategic control. His remarks have alarmed European leaders and reignited diplomatic tensions, as Denmark and Greenland continue to reject any suggestion that the island is for sale. The renewed rhetoric highlights the growing geopolitical importance of the Arctic and signals a more aggressive U.S. posture in the region.
President Donald Trump has once again openly pressed for the United States to acquire Greenland, escalating rhetoric that has reignited diplomatic tensions with Denmark and raised concerns across NATO about Arctic security and sovereignty.
Speaking to reporters, Trump argued that Greenland should “make the deal” with Washington, warning that the Arctic island risks falling under Russian or Chinese influence if the U.S. does not take control. Asked whether he had made a formal offer to Greenland or Denmark, Trump said he had not but insisted acquisition was inevitable. “Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over,” he said.
Trump dismissed Denmark’s ability to defend the territory, making a controversial remark about Greenland’s military capabilities. “Do you know what their defense is? Two dog sleds,” he said, contrasting this with what he described as the presence of Russian and Chinese naval forces operating in Arctic waters. “We’re not going to let that happen.”
The president further suggested that NATO considerations were secondary, stating bluntly that U.S. allies depend more on Washington than the other way around. “If it affects NATO, then it affects NATO,” Trump said. “But they need us much more than we need them.”
His comments come amid reports that the United Kingdom and Germany are discussing plans for a joint NATO mission aimed at strengthening Arctic security in and around Greenland. When asked whether such discussions would influence his approach, Trump responded with a curt “no,” emphasizing that the U.S. objective was full control rather than partnership.
“We’re talking about acquiring,” Trump said. “Not leasing. Not having it short term. We’re talking about acquiring.”
Trump also claimed that the United States already maintains a military presence on Greenland, noting that American forces and bases are stationed there. However, he argued that this presence was insufficient without outright ownership. “We have bases on Greenland. Yeah. A lot of soldiers there right now, if I want,” he said. “But you need more than that. You need ownership. You really need title.”
The remarks have alarmed European leaders, particularly in Denmark. The Danish prime minister warned that the country faces a “decisive moment” as Trump continues to publicly question Denmark’s authority over the autonomous territory. Greenland, while self-governing in many domestic matters, remains formally under Danish sovereignty.
Both Greenlandic leaders and Copenhagen have repeatedly rejected previous U.S. overtures, maintaining that the island is not for sale. Greenland’s strategic importance due to its location between North America and Europe, its proximity to the Arctic shipping routes, and its vast untapped mineral resources has made it a focal point in growing great-power competition.
As Trump continues to frame the issue as a matter of U.S. national security and global dominance, the dispute underscores rising tensions in the Arctic and signals a more aggressive American posture toward territorial influence in 2026
Speaking to reporters, Trump argued that Greenland should “make the deal” with Washington, warning that the Arctic island risks falling under Russian or Chinese influence if the U.S. does not take control. Asked whether he had made a formal offer to Greenland or Denmark, Trump said he had not but insisted acquisition was inevitable. “Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over,” he said.
Trump dismissed Denmark’s ability to defend the territory, making a controversial remark about Greenland’s military capabilities. “Do you know what their defense is? Two dog sleds,” he said, contrasting this with what he described as the presence of Russian and Chinese naval forces operating in Arctic waters. “We’re not going to let that happen.”
The president further suggested that NATO considerations were secondary, stating bluntly that U.S. allies depend more on Washington than the other way around. “If it affects NATO, then it affects NATO,” Trump said. “But they need us much more than we need them.”
His comments come amid reports that the United Kingdom and Germany are discussing plans for a joint NATO mission aimed at strengthening Arctic security in and around Greenland. When asked whether such discussions would influence his approach, Trump responded with a curt “no,” emphasizing that the U.S. objective was full control rather than partnership.
“We’re talking about acquiring,” Trump said. “Not leasing. Not having it short term. We’re talking about acquiring.”
Trump also claimed that the United States already maintains a military presence on Greenland, noting that American forces and bases are stationed there. However, he argued that this presence was insufficient without outright ownership. “We have bases on Greenland. Yeah. A lot of soldiers there right now, if I want,” he said. “But you need more than that. You need ownership. You really need title.”
The remarks have alarmed European leaders, particularly in Denmark. The Danish prime minister warned that the country faces a “decisive moment” as Trump continues to publicly question Denmark’s authority over the autonomous territory. Greenland, while self-governing in many domestic matters, remains formally under Danish sovereignty.
Both Greenlandic leaders and Copenhagen have repeatedly rejected previous U.S. overtures, maintaining that the island is not for sale. Greenland’s strategic importance due to its location between North America and Europe, its proximity to the Arctic shipping routes, and its vast untapped mineral resources has made it a focal point in growing great-power competition.
As Trump continues to frame the issue as a matter of U.S. national security and global dominance, the dispute underscores rising tensions in the Arctic and signals a more aggressive American posture toward territorial influence in 2026