Trump Reignites Controversy over Greenland, Refuses to Rule Out Military Option

US President Donald Trump renewed his threat on Sunday to use military force to annex Greenland, calling the Arctic island “essential to US national security.” His remarks have once again sparked debate over Washington’s ambitions in the region.

In an interview with NBC News, Trump was asked whether he would rule out military action to take control of Greenland. He responded, “I don’t rule it out. I’m not saying I would do it, but I don’t rule out anything.”

“Greenland has a tiny population. We’ll take care of them, we’ll cherish them, all of that—but we need it for international security.”
Trump has long expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, the world’s largest island, which is a self-governing territory under the Kingdom of Denmark. During his first presidential term, he drew widespread international criticism after publicly suggesting that the US should purchase the island—prompting sharp rebukes from both Danish and Greenlandic officials.

Greenland’s strategic significance has grown in recent years due to climate change, which is opening new shipping routes and exposing vast reserves of natural resources, particularly rare earth minerals. Its geographic location also grants it considerable military value in any potential conflict in the Arctic.

Trump also touched on his controversial comments about Canada, suggesting that his repeated remarks about annexing the country may have influenced recent election results there. However, he clarified that he does “not consider military force an option” in Canada’s case.