US President Donald Trump is pressing to take control of Greenland, warning of “hard” options despite Danish opposition, raising NATO tensions and questions over military force, diplomacy and Arctic strategy.
Modest in size, costly per capita, Greenland will test America’s federal funding model
This is in accordance with the army's rule of engagement from 1952 that requires soldiers to attack invaders without waiting for orders from higher-ups.
US president wants to take the vast Arctic territory from Denmark. What could he really do?
Trump’s fixation with Greenland is not new. He first floated the idea publicly in 2019, during his first term, when he likened the potential acquisition to “essentially a large real estate deal.”
European leaders have rallied behind Denmark after Donald Trump revived remarks about taking Greenland, stressing sovereignty, NATO unity and collective Arctic security amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing concern over US actions.
Putin aide Kirill Dmitriev suggests Canada could be next after Greenland as Trump questions Danish sovereignty, fuelling NATO tensions and prompting European leaders to reaffirm support for Greenland’s self-rule.
Greenland’s Arctic location and mineral wealth make it a strategic prize for global powers. The U.S., Denmark, and China are all vying for influence amid rising security and trade stakes.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday hours after Frederiksen’s remarks, Trump doubled down on his claim that Greenland should become part of the United States.
From Colombia and Mexico to Greenland, Cuba, and Iran, governments have pushed back against what they see as a return to unilateral coercion and imperial-era thinking.
Trump’s actions in Venezuela have shown that he is willing to back rhetoric with military force. His comments since then suggest a worldview where sovereignty is conditional and power is asserted openly.
Escape to the Floating Glacier Hut in East Greenland, the world’s most remote Airbnb. Experience glaciers, Northern Lights, and luxury in a one-bedroom floating cabin with no WiFi.
May's average global temperature was 1.4°C higher than the 1850-1900 pre-industrial average. That figure pushes Earth further into the danger zone agreed upon in the Paris climate pact.
On 16 September 2023, millions of tonnes of rock fell. The impact hurled up a wave 650 feet high. It raced down the fjord, smashed into cliffs, then reversed.
In a statement late Thursday, the Space Force said Col Susan Meyers was removed as commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland over a “loss of confidence in her ability to lead.”
The new prime minister said the U.S. visit signalled a "lack of respect" and called for unity in the face of "pressure from outside".
Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, a key US missile warning outpost, is drawing renewed focus as Trump pushes to strengthen American presence on the island.
During a Cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump addressed several issues, beginning with Usha Vance’s Greenland visit, which he characterized as a gesture of "friendliness, not provocation." He emphasized that officials from Greenland were reaching out to the U.S., expressing interest in proper protection and support. Trump suggested that U.S. control of Greenland could be a possibility in the future, citing national security reasons. He also mentioned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio might visit Greenland soon, as officials there had requested U.S. involvement. Additionally, Trump announced a forthcoming deal with Ukraine on minerals and rare earths. In his remarks on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, he highlighted discussions about territorial lines and nuclear plants during ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia. Trump reiterated his idea of the U.S. taking control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, noting the country’s expertise in operating such facilities.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute B. Egede, criticized a planned visit by U.S. officials, including second lady Usha Vance and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, calling it "highly aggressive." The visit, which aims to celebrate Greenlandic culture and attend the national dogsled race, comes amid tensions sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s past remarks about annexing Greenland, citing its valuable rare earth minerals. Egede opposed the visit, arguing it demonstrated U.S. power over Greenland and undermined diplomatic efforts for autonomy. Although Greenland gained more self-governance from Denmark in 2009, Denmark still controls defense and foreign policy. The U.S. visit is seen as disrespectful by some Greenlandic leaders, including Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who criticized its timing during ongoing political negotiations. A January poll showed 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the U.S., with many seeing Trump’s interest as a threat. Greenland’s politicians are open to U.S. investments but reject annexation.
Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede has condemned the visit of Usha Vance and U.S. officials, calling it a "provocation" aimed at demonstrating power.
U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance is set to visit Greenland this week, marking the highest-profile visit to the territory since the Trump administration expressed interest in acquiring it. During her three-day trip, Vance will be accompanied by one of her children and will explore Greenland's historical sites, learn about its heritage, and attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, the national dogsled race. The race, featuring 37 mushers and 444 dogs, celebrates Greenlandic culture and athleticism. Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, will join Vance during the visit. Despite the opposition of Greenland's parliamentary parties, Trump has consistently claimed that U.S. control over Greenland is inevitable, citing national security concerns rather than territorial expansion. The U.S. maintains a military presence in Greenland, which was visited by Donald Trump Jr. earlier this year. Trump has also made other controversial territorial suggestions, including claims about Panama's canal and Canadian statehood.
US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that the United States would annex Greenland, emphasizing that North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte could play a key role in facilitating the acquisition. Speaking to reporters during a meeting with Rutte at the White House on Thursday (local time), Trump said the US needs Greenland for "international security" and hinted at future discussions on the matter.
Trump has been outspoken about his desire to control Greenland, telling a joint session of Congress last week that he thought the U.S. was going to get it “one way or the other.”
Inatsisartut, Greenland's parliament, discussed the proposal that would also ban any single party from receiving domestic private contributions that exceed 200,000 Danish kroner (about $27,700) in total, or 20,000 kroner (about $2,770) for a single contributor.