US President Donald Trump has dramatically escalated his rhetoric over Greenland, declaring that the United States is prepared to act in the Arctic territory "whether they like it or not." The comments, made during a meeting with oil and gas executives at the White House on Friday, represent a significant hardening of his administration's position.
A Strategic Imperative or Forced Takeover?
Justifying his stance, Trump framed the potential move as a necessary geopolitical manoeuvre. "If we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland. And we're not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour," he stated. The President outlined a binary choice for how the US would proceed, adding, "So we're going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way."
This revival of interest in Greenland, first publicly floated by Trump in 2019, has been met with consistent and firm opposition. Both the Danish government, which handles Greenland's foreign and defence policy, and Greenland's own leadership have rejected the idea outright. The territory is largely self-governing.
Widespread Rejection and Alliance Tensions
The President's latest remarks come amid already heightened tensions with NATO allies, including Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has previously warned that a US attack on Greenland would signify the end of "Nato and therefore post-second world war security." Despite this, Trump used the same White House meeting to reaffirm his support for the alliance, claiming, "If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have a Nato right now."
Public sentiment strongly opposes Trump's ambitions. A 2025 poll indicates 85% of Greenland's population rejects becoming part of the United States. Support is scarcely higher in the US itself, with polling showing only 7% of Americans back a military invasion of the territory.
Trump linked his renewed focus on Greenland to the US's recent aggressive actions in Venezuela, suggesting a pattern of emboldened foreign policy. He described the acquisition of Greenland as something the US needs "very badly" for national security.
Broader Warnings and Regional Implications
Greenland was not the only international flashpoint addressed by Trump. He also issued a stark warning to Iran regarding its handling of domestic protests. "If they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved. We'll be hitting them very hard where it hurts," he said, directly addressing Iranian leaders.
The situation leaves the future of US-Denmark relations and stability in the Arctic region on uncertain ground, as the White House appears committed to a path that directly contradicts the will of the people most affected.
