Trump tells NATO chief U.S. needs Greenland for security

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.

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