Washington, D.C. – January 5, 2026 – US President Donald Trump has once again emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland for American national security, claiming the Arctic island is "covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place" and asserting that Denmark lacks the capability to secure it effectively.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, January 4, 2026, while returning to Washington following events related to the recent US military operation in Venezuela, Trump stated: "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it." He described Greenland as "so strategic" and added that "the European Union needs us to have it" from a security perspective, suggesting broader Western benefits from potential US control.
These remarks build on similar comments Trump made in an interview published the same day, where he told The Atlantic: "We do need Greenland, absolutely," framing it as essential "for defense" due to the alleged surrounding presence of Russian and Chinese vessels.
Greenland, the world's largest island and an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, holds significant geopolitical value in the Arctic region. Melting ice caps have opened new shipping routes and resource opportunities, intensifying competition among major powers. The US maintains Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) there under a 1951 defense agreement with Denmark, monitoring ballistic missiles and supporting space operations. However, Russia has expanded its Arctic military infrastructure, including bases and icebreakers, while China has pursued mining investments and designated itself a "near-Arctic state," though neither has established a dominant naval encirclement of Greenland as claimed.
Trump's statements come amid heightened US assertiveness in the Western Hemisphere following the January 3 operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Analysts interpret the Greenland comments as part of a broader vision for expanded US influence, echoing Trump's longstanding interest in acquiring the territory since his first term.
Danish and Greenlandic leaders swiftly rejected the implications. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated: "It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the US needing to take over Greenland. The US has no right to annex any of the three nations in the Danish kingdom." She highlighted Denmark's NATO membership, existing defense cooperation with the US, and increased Arctic investments. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen described related social media posts suggesting imminent US takeover as "disrespectful."
European allies expressed concern over the rhetoric. Baltic NATO members like Latvia and Estonia rallied behind Denmark, fearing erosion of alliance solidarity amid Russian threats. The European Union issued statements underscoring respect for sovereignty.
Trump has previously refused to rule out military or economic pressure to secure Greenland, appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy in late 2025 to advance US interests. The administration argues control would counter adversaries in the Arctic, secure critical minerals for technology and renewables, and enhance missile defense.
Critics, including legal experts, warn that any forcible annexation would violate international law, including the UN Charter's prohibitions on territorial acquisition by force, and strain NATO ties with Denmark, a founding member.
Greenland's population of about 57,000, mostly Indigenous Inuit, has pursued greater autonomy and potential independence, with referendums possible under Danish law. Leaders prioritize sustainable development and environmental protection over foreign annexation.
The comments have amplified global discussions on Arctic security. Russia and China have invested in polar capabilities, but independent assessments indicate no immediate "coverage" of Greenland by their warships. US intelligence reports note growing activities but emphasize cooperative frameworks like the Arctic Council.
As tensions simmer, Denmark has summoned the US ambassador multiple times over related issues. Trump's National Security Strategy highlights the hemisphere and Arctic as priorities, but allies urge dialogue over unilateral claims.
This episode revives Trump's 2019 proposal to "buy" Greenland, dismissed at the time as absurd by Denmark. Now, post-Venezuela, it raises questions about US foreign policy direction in 2026.
