President Donald Trump told NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Thursday that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary for international security, escalating his campaign to annex the Arctic island.
During an Oval Office meeting, Trump argued that the U.S. must assert control over Greenland due to its strategic location and increasing activity by foreign powers in Arctic waters.
"You know, Mark, we need that for international security," Trump told Rutte. When asked directly about annexation, he said, "I think that will happen."
Trump has made U.S. control of Greenland a major talking point since his re-election, despite Denmark’s firm stance that the territory is not for sale. NATO and Denmark's embassy in Washington did not immediately comment on his latest remarks.
Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede rejected Trump’s renewed push, saying, "Enough is enough." Polls suggest most Greenlanders oppose U.S. annexation, though many support independence from Denmark.
The Arctic island’s strategic location and mineral wealth make it a valuable asset. Trump hinted at NATO’s potential involvement and suggested bolstering the existing U.S. military presence there.
"We really need Greenland for national security," he said, adding that Denmark is "very far away" and questioning its historical claim to the island.
Greenland’s Demokraatit party, which supports a slow approach to independence from Denmark, won Tuesday’s parliamentary elections. Trump called the outcome "good for the United States," but did not elaborate on its implications for his plans.
Denmark has repeatedly dismissed Trump’s ambitions, but the U.S. president insists discussions will continue.
Read next
15:37
Ukraine
Ukraine is ready to negotiate but not to surrender, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on Wednesday as details emerged in media reports of a U.S. proposal for a deal which would see Ukraine give up almost all territory currently occupied by Russia.
15:27
China
The chief architect of China's lunar exploration programme has accused Washington of interfering in Beijing's space diplomacy efforts with international partners.
12:00
Beijing has criticized Washington's pressure tactics, warning that threats and coercion are not conducive to resolving trade tensions between the two countries.
10:45
Kyrgyz and Azerbaijani cultural ministers signed a 2025–2026 roadmap to deepen bilateral cooperation during a meeting in Bishkek.
10:18
welcome
On April 23, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Xi Jinping of China convened an expanded meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment