Trump states that US 'absolutely' needs Greenland
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has returned to an idea he voiced at the beginning of his second presidential term. Trump wants to take control of Greenland, which is currently under Danish administration, according to Trump’s statement to the Atlantic Council.
In response to a journalist’s question about Greenland, Trump stated that the US "absolutely" needs the Danish territory, claiming the island is allegedly "surrounded" by Russian and Chinese fleets.
"We do need Greenland, absolutely…" It’s "surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships," he said.
When asked whether the attack on Venezuela indicated the US’s willingness to use military force to take control of Greenland, the president advised the journalist to judge for themselves.
"They are going to have to view it themselves. I really don’t know…You know, I wasn’t referring to Greenland at that time. But we do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense," he added.
On January 4, the wife of US President Donald Trump’s domestic security adviser, Stephen Miller, Kathy, posted a map on Twitter (X) showing Greenland colored like the American flag. Her actions sparked widespread outrage in both Denmark and Greenland.
This is far from the first statement by Trump and his circle regarding Greenland. At the end of his first presidential term, Trump attempted to purchase Greenland, but Denmark refused.
Since January 2025, after Trump’s return to the White House, he has repeatedly stated that the US should "get Greenland" — allegedly for "security" reasons.
Following Trump’s repeated statements, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in August 2025 accused Trump’s circle of attempting to interfere in Greenland’s political processes. In addition, Denmark strengthened the island’s defenses after Trump’s renewed claims. The island’s residents, who enjoy autonomy within Denmark, are far from enthusiastic about Trump’s idea.
