U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Greenland is strategically important for the United States from a national security perspective. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, CNN reports.
According to Trump, the waters surrounding Greenland are actively used by Russian and Chinese vessels, which, in his view, creates additional security risks. He also expressed the belief that Denmark is allegedly unable to ensure the region’s security on its own. The U.S. president added that, according to him, the European Union understands the need for American control over the island.
Global Reaction
In response to Trump’s statements, the leaders of Denmark and Greenland urged the U.S. president to stop rhetoric about a possible takeover of the island, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The European Union emphasized that preserving the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of the borders of the Kingdom of Denmark is of fundamental importance to the EU.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed support for Denmark and Greenland following the new statements by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding potential U.S. control over the island.
In particular, Alexander Stubb wrote on social media platform X that decisions about Greenland’s future can only be made by Greenland and Denmark themselves. He also подчеркнув Finland’s full solidarity with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson voiced a similar position, stating that only Denmark and Greenland have the right to decide issues related to the island. According to him, Sweden fully supports its neighboring country.
Trump Has Previously Spoken About Greenland
Trump’s rhetoric regarding Greenland is not new. In his inaugural address on January 20, 2025, he stated that the United States intended to expand its territory, mentioning Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal.
In response, then–Prime Minister of Greenland Múte Egede emphasized that the island seeks independence while remaining interested in maintaining close ties with the United States and Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, during a conversation with Trump, stated that Greenland “is not for sale.”
In the autumn, Denmark warned that Trump’s interest in Greenland could be renewed, and in December Bloomberg reported that Copenhagen had, for the first time, named the United States a potential threat to its own security specifically because of the issue of the island.
Later, Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland. Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision confirms Washington’s continued interest in the region.
Amid the debate in Denmark, ironic remarks were also heard: Chairman of the Danish Parliament’s Defense Committee Rasmus Jarlov joked that the country could “start buying U.S. states,” mentioning New Hampshire and Hawaii.
Conclusion
The latest statements by the U.S. president regarding Greenland have once again drawn attention to the island’s status and the security situation in the Arctic region. European countries have made it clear that decisions about Greenland’s future cannot be taken without the consent of Denmark and the Greenlandic people.
At the same time, the situation highlights growing geopolitical tensions in the Arctic and the transformation of Greenland into one of the key symbols of global rivalry among major powers.
