Donald Trump Mocks Greenland’s Defences, Pushes US Acquisition Amid China, Russia Fears

US President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by openly advocating for American control of Greenland, mocking the Arctic territory’s defence capabilities and warning that Russia or China could seize strategic advantage if Washington does not act.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump dismissed Greenland’s security preparedness, quipping that its defence amounted to “two dog sleds.” He said the island would be better protected under US control, particularly given what he described as expanding Russian and Chinese military activity in the Arctic region.

Greenland is a self-governing territory under the Kingdom of Denmark, and Trump made it clear that his administration is not interested in leasing arrangements. Instead, he reiterated his preference for outright acquisition.

“We’re not talking about leasing. We’re talking about acquiring,” Trump said, adding that Greenland’s leadership should seriously consider a deal with Washington. He argued that the island’s strategic location made it vulnerable and claimed it needed US protection more than the US needed Greenland.

Trump cited what he called an increased presence of Russian and Chinese submarines and naval destroyers in Arctic waters, warning that the situation could have broader implications for NATO. According to him, failure to act could allow rival powers to gain a foothold in a region critical to global security and shipping routes.

“If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will take Greenland,” Trump said, adding that he would not allow that to happen “one way or the other.”

The remarks have triggered sharp pushback from Greenland’s political leadership. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, along with leaders of four political parties, issued a joint statement rejecting any notion of becoming part of the United States.

“We don’t want to be Americans. We don’t want to be Danes. We want to be Greenlanders,” the statement said, underscoring the island’s desire for self-determination and political autonomy.

Denmark has also responded strongly to Trump’s renewed rhetoric. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any attempt by the US to forcibly assert control over Greenland would pose a direct threat to NATO itself. She said an attack on a NATO member would undermine the alliance’s post-war security framework.

Amid rising speculation, Denmark’s Defence Ministry reiterated a long-standing directive dating back to the Cold War, which authorises Danish forces to respond immediately to any foreign invasion attempt, including in Greenland, without waiting for higher command approval.

Trump’s comments mark the latest escalation in a long-running debate over Greenland’s strategic importance. While the US already maintains a military presence on the island, including at Thule Air Base, Greenland and Denmark have consistently rejected calls for American ownership.

The renewed push highlights growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic, where melting ice has opened new shipping routes and access to untapped natural resources, intensifying rivalry among global powers.