US President Donald Trump on Friday strongly repeated his threat to take over Greenland. He said the United States is “going to do something [there] whether they like it or not”. Trump made these remarks while addressing oil and gas executives during a meeting at the White House, with media present.
He defended his position by warning about global rivals. “If we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland. And we’re not going to have Russia or China as neighbours,” Trump said. His comments come at a time when tensions are rising between the US and its Nato allies over the issue.
Denmark Rejects US Claims Over Greenland
Denmark, which controls Greenland, has clearly stated that the Arctic territory is “not for sale”. Danish leaders have repeatedly rejected Trump’s statements and any suggestion of US control.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen recently warned that a US attack on Greenland would mean the end of “Nato and therefore post Second World War security”. Despite these strong warnings, Trump has continued to claim that he supports Nato and remains committed to the alliance.
Trump Warns of Russia and China Threat
Speaking about strained ties between the US and Nato, Trump stressed that the alliance depends heavily on Washington. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have Nato right now,” he said.
He again warned that Greenland could fall into the hands of US rivals if Washington does not act. “But we’re not going to allow Russia or China to occupy Greenland, and that’s what’s going to happen if we don’t,” Trump added.
Longstanding Interest in Greenland
Trump’s interest in Greenland is not new. He first publicly raised the idea of acquiring the island in 2019 during his first term as president. At that time, the proposal was immediately rejected by both Danish and Greenlandic leaders.
In recent weeks, Trump has revived the issue following a US operation in Venezuela in which President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured. Trump said he needed Greenland “very badly” and described it as a national security necessity.
Public Opinion Opposes US Control
People in Greenland have consistently opposed becoming part of the United States. A 2025 poll showed that 85 per cent of Greenlanders rejected the idea of joining the US.
Support for such a move is also low within the United States. Polling suggests that only 7 per cent of Americans back the idea of a US military invasion of the territory.
Trump Issues Warning to Iran
Greenland was not the only issue Trump addressed on Friday. He also warned Iran against using violence to suppress growing protests across the country.
Calling Iran “in big trouble”, Trump said, “If they start killing people as they have in the past, we will get involved. We’ll be hitting them very hard where it hurts.” He ended with a direct warning to Iranian leaders: “And again, I tell the Iranian leaders: ‘You’d better not start shooting, because we’ll start shooting too’.”