U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States needs Greenland for national security and has appointed a special envoy to the Arctic island, renewing a push that has drawn sharp criticism from Denmark and Greenlandic officials.
Trump made the remarks while speaking directly to reporters on Dec. 22 in Palm Beach, Florida, during a public appearance tied to the announcement of a new U.S. naval initiative.
Why It Matters
Greenland’s strategic position between North America and Europe places it at the center of Arctic security concerns, particularly as Russia and China expand their military and commercial activity in the region.
The renewed U.S. interest risks straining relations with Denmark, a NATO ally, while raising questions about sovereignty, international law and the future role of the Arctic in U.S. defense planning.
What To Know
Trump said the United States needs Greenland not for its mineral resources but for security reasons, citing the presence of Russian and Chinese ships operating near the island.
“We need Greenland for national security,” Trump told reporters, according to USA Today. “You look up and down the coast, you have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need it for national security. We have to have it.”
The comments followed Trump’s appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the United States’ special envoy to Greenland. Trump said Landry would “lead the charge,” describing him as a deal-maker.
Denmark responded by summoning the U.S. ambassador, signaling diplomatic opposition to Washington’s renewed interest in the island.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told Danish broadcaster TV2 that the move was unacceptable, saying the envoy appointment suggested the United States was seeking to take control of Greenland.
What People Are Saying
Trump dismissed Denmark’s historical claim to Greenland, arguing that Copenhagen has not adequately invested in or defended the territory.
“Denmark has spent no money there, they have no military protection,” Trump said, according to USA Today.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded in a statement that the island would decide its own future, emphasizing Greenland’s right to self-determination.
What Happens Next
Greenland, a former Danish colony with a population of about 57,000, has the legal right to declare independence under a 2009 agreement but remains economically dependent on fishing and Danish subsidies.
U.S. officials are expected to continue diplomatic engagement through the newly appointed envoy, while Denmark and Greenland assess their response to Washington’s renewed assertions, according to Reuters.
