Fox News host Jesse Watters, speaking on The Five, argued that the United States should pursue control of Greenland through a sale or lease arrangement, saying the Arctic territory is strategically necessary for U.S. interests and claiming Washington “needs it more than they do.”
Why It Matters
Watters’ comments come amid renewed international attention on Greenland following recent remarks by President Donald Trump about U.S. interest in the island. The statements have heightened diplomatic tensions between the United States, Greenland, and Denmark, raising questions about sovereignty, Arctic security, and great-power competition.
What to Know
During a segment on Fox News, Watters said Greenland should be sold or leased to the United States, arguing that territory and resources must be actively used to maintain strategic control.
“But there’s another military doctrine I’d like to say: If you don’t use it, you lose it,” Watters said, adding that the same logic applied to Greenland and Venezuela’s oil resources. He suggested Denmark should “wise up” and either sell or lease Greenland to the United States, saying, “We need it more than they do.”
Watters also framed Greenland within broader geopolitical competition, saying the United States is “kicking the Chinese out of the hemisphere,” including both the Arctic and Latin America. His remarks echoed arguments made by Trump administration officials that Greenland’s strategic location is critical to U.S. defense and security interests.
What People Are Saying
Greenland’s leadership has strongly rejected rhetoric suggesting the island could be acquired or controlled by the United States. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has said Greenland is open to dialogue with Washington but will not accept pressure, threats, or discussions conducted through disrespectful public statements.
According to Reuters, Nielsen said Greenland should not be compared to Venezuela and emphasized that the island is a democratic society whose future must be determined by its people. He also dismissed speculation about annexation, saying such ideas have no place among allies.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has likewise stated that Greenland does not wish to become part of the United States and that its sovereignty must be respected, while European leaders have reiterated that Greenland’s future lies in the hands of Greenlanders.
What Happens Next
U.S. interest in Greenland is expected to remain a diplomatic issue as Washington continues to emphasize Arctic security, mineral access, and competition with China. Greenland’s government has signaled that cooperation with the United States remains possible, but only through formal diplomatic channels and with respect for international law.
As debates over Greenland’s strategic value continue in U.S. political media, Greenland and Denmark have reiterated that discussions about the island’s future must be based on mutual respect, alliance norms, and democratic self-determination.
