U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday issued a forceful statement on Greenland, asserting that Denmark has failed to address what he called the “Russian threat” to the Arctic island and vowing that the United States will take action. The message, posted on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, comes days after he announced plans to impose escalating tariffs on European allies until the U.S. is allowed to acquire the territory.
Trump wrote:
“NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that ‘you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.’ Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!”
NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that “you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.” Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!! President Donald J. Trump
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) January 19, 2026
(TS: 18 Jan 23:10 ET)…
The President has repeatedly emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance, citing the encroaching presence of Russia and China in the Arctic. Trump has framed the island as vital to U.S. security interests and has insisted that he will settle for nothing less than American control over it.
Denmark and Greenland, however, have strongly rejected the notion that the territory is for sale or should be transferred to U.S. authority. Leaders from both jurisdictions have underscored that Greenland is an autonomous territory and emphasized their commitment to remaining part of the Danish realm.
Trump’s message also referenced NATO’s role, suggesting that the alliance has long recognized the security concerns posed by Russian proximity but that Denmark has not acted. Analysts note that Greenland is already included under NATO’s collective defense framework, raising questions about the U.S. president’s rationale for unilateral action.
Trump’s announcement follows his broader push to assert U.S. influence in the Arctic. On Saturday, he had threatened a series of tariffs on European nations, signaling a willingness to apply economic pressure on allies to achieve his goals regarding Greenland.
The President has framed the issue in terms of both national security and strategic competition with Russia and China, reinforcing his long-standing focus on controlling key territories that could influence global military and economic dynamics.
