U.S. President Donald Trump declared Monday that Greenland is essential for national security, stating the territory “must be part of the United States” despite its current status under Danish sovereignty.
In remarks to the press, Trump emphasized: “We need Greenland for national security. Not for minerals, we have so many sites for minerals and oil.” He added: “We have more oil than any other country in the world. We need Greenland for national security. And if you take a look at Greenland, you look up and down the coast, you have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.” Trump continued: “We need it for national security. We have to have it.”
The comments followed Trump’s appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland. Landry stated: “Thank you @realDonaldTrump! It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the United States. This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!”
However, the prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland jointly asserted that “national borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law.” They declared: “You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security.” The leaders added: “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and the U.S. shall not take over Greenland.”
Denmark’s Foreign Affairs Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen condemned Trump’s appointment, stating he is “very upset about this appointment of a special envoy” and called Landry’s remarks “completely unacceptable.” Rasmussen said he would summon the U.S. ambassador to Denmark — Ken Howery — to “once again make it clear that there are some lines being crossed here.”
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reiterated: “We will determine our future ourselves. Greenland is our country.” He added: “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders, and territorial integrity must be respected.”
Greenland’s strategic location between North America and Europe has become increasingly significant as Arctic sea lanes open due to climate change, creating new shipping routes and military pathways. The territory also lies on the shortest missile trajectory between Russia and the United States.
Trump previously told Vice President JD Vance in March: “We need Greenland, very importantly, for international security.” He stated: “We have to have Greenland. It’s not a question of, ‘Do you think we can do without it?’ We can’t.”
In August, Denmark summoned the U.S. charge d’affaires following reports of attempted interference in Greenland. Recent observations indicate at least three U.S. officials close to Trump were in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, identifying individuals who might support closer relations with the United States.
The United States established a consulate in Greenland in June 2020.
