TL;DR
President Donald Trump again suggested the United States should take control of Greenland, citing national security and mineral resources. Danish and Greenlandic leaders rejected the idea, while allies including the UK and the EU distanced themselves from the proposal.
What happened
Donald Trump renewed proposals to bring Greenland under US control, telling reporters the island is needed for national security reasons and pointing to its strategic location and mineral reserves. The comments followed a social media post showing Greenland in US flag colours and came after the Trump administration named a special envoy for the territory. Greenland's prime minister pushed back, calling the suggestion a fantasy and demanding that any discussions respect international law and proper channels. Denmark's leader said the United States has no right to annex parts of the Danish realm, pointed out that Greenland falls under NATO protection, and noted an existing defence agreement already allows US access. The exchange intensified amid recent US operations in Venezuela and prompted responses from allies: the Danish ambassador reminded Washington of mutual respect for sovereignty, the UK said only Denmark and Greenland can decide the island's fate, and an EU spokesperson rejected claims the bloc had sought US control.
Why it matters
- Greenland's Arctic position carries strategic military significance for air and maritime access in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.
- The island's known mineral resources are increasingly relevant to high-tech supply chains and national security discussions.
- Denmark retains responsibility for Greenland's defence and foreign policy, making any change in status a bilateral and legal matter.
- Public and political opposition in Greenland to becoming part of the US could complicate any attempt to alter sovereignty.
- Actions or rhetoric about annexation risk straining US relations with Denmark and other NATO allies.
Key facts
- Trump said the US 'needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security' while speaking to reporters.
- He has previously raised the prospect of annexing the semi-autonomous Danish territory, citing strategic location and minerals.
- Greenland's prime minister described the notion of US control as a 'fantasy' and said discussions must follow international law.
- Denmark's prime minister said the US has no right to annex any territory in the Danish kingdom and noted NATO protection.
- A defence agreement already grants the US access to bases on Greenland, according to Denmark's leader.
- The US appointed a special envoy to Greenland; that move angered Danish officials.
- A social media post by Katie Miller showing Greenland in US flag colours with the word 'SOON' drew a response from the Danish ambassador.
- Greenland has extensive self-government since 1979; defence and foreign policy remain the responsibility of Denmark.
- The island's population is about 57,000, and polls show strong opposition among Greenlanders to becoming part of the United States.
- The comments came amid an unrelated US operation in Venezuela that heightened international attention on US foreign actions.
What to watch next
- Any formal diplomatic steps from the US or Denmark regarding Greenland's status — not confirmed in the source
- Potential policy or public statements from Greenlandic authorities or local political movements in response — not confirmed in the source
- Follow-up actions tied to the US special envoy appointment and whether it leads to negotiations — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Annexation: The formal act of a state acquiring territory and incorporating it into its sovereign area, typically requiring legal or political processes.
- Self-government: A political arrangement in which a territory manages its own internal affairs while another state retains responsibility for certain areas such as defence or foreign policy.
- NATO security guarantee: A commitment by member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to consider an attack on one member as an attack on all, forming a collective defence framework.
- Special envoy: A diplomat appointed to focus on a particular country, territory or issue, often to advance specific policies or negotiations.
- Territorial integrity: The principle under international law that nation-states should not have their borders altered by force and that their sovereignty over territory should be respected.
Reader FAQ
Did President Trump call for annexing Greenland?
Yes. He repeated proposals to bring Greenland under US control, citing national security and resources.
Can the United States unilaterally annex Greenland?
Denmark and Greenland have said such a move would be improper; the Danish prime minister and other allies stated only Denmark and Greenland can decide the island's future.
What is Greenland's current political status?
Greenland has had extensive self-government since 1979, while Denmark retains responsibility for defence and foreign policy.
Do Greenlanders want to become part of the US?
Opinion polls cited in the source indicate overwhelming opposition among Greenlanders to joining the United States; many favour eventual independence from Denmark.
Has the EU supported US control of Greenland?
An EU spokesperson rejected Trump's claim that the bloc 'needs' the US to control the territory and said she was unaware of any discussions on the matter.
'We need Greenland': Trump repeats threat to annex Danish territory 3 hours ago Share Save Thomas Mackintosh 0:36 'We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security,' Trump says Share…
Sources
- 'We need Greenland': Trump repeats threat to annex Danish territory
- Trump's special envoy to Greenland sparks backlash with …
- Danish PM strikes defiant tone on Greenland in New Year's …
- Trump's revival of Greenland takeover dismays Denmark
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