Warning of a strategic threat from Russia and China, Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States must acquire Greenland to prevent the Arctic island from falling under foreign control.

Greenland occupies a strategically important position in the Arctic, close to emerging shipping routes and rich in critical minerals, and hosts a key U.S. military base.

Speaking to reporters at the White House during a meeting with oil industry executives, Trump said Washington would act regardless of opposition.

"We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not," he said, warning that Russia or China could otherwise seek to take control of the island.

Trump said the presence of Russian and Chinese naval and submarine activity near Greenland underscored what he described as an urgent security risk, adding that the U.S. would not allow either country to occupy the territory.

Trump said existing arrangements were insufficient to guarantee the island’s security, despite the U.S. maintaining a military presence there under a 1951 defence agreement with Denmark.

"You defend ownership. You don’t defend leases," he said, arguing that only full U.S. control could ensure Greenland’s defence.

Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and opinion polls have consistently shown limited public support for joining the U.S.

The comments mark Trump’s most explicit call for U.S. ownership of Greenland since returning to office.

The U.S. has explored several options for expanding its control over Greenland, including offering financial incentives to residents to encourage a break from Denmark, and has not ruled out military involvement.

The remarks prompted strong criticism from Denmark and other European countries. Denmark and the U.S. are both members of NATO and are bound by a collective defence agreement.

Earlier this week, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the U.K. said in a joint statement that any decision on Greenland’s future could only be taken by Greenland and Denmark.

• European allies back Denmark amid renewed U.S. claims over Greenland
• Trump discusses acquiring Greenland, military option ‘Always Open’, White House says

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