The president of the United States stated that he would acquire Greenland 'one way or another' to curb the influence of China and Russia
Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty, has acquired growing importance in global geopolitics due to the melting of the Arctic, which opens new maritime routes and facilitates access to strategic natural resources.
For Trump, this reality turns the island into a key point that the United States can't leave in the hands of rival powers. "We are not going to accept having China or Russia as neighbors in such a critical region", he stressed.
President Donald Trump declared on Friday that the United States will take steps to acquire Greenland "one way or another", arguing that the strategic Arctic island is vital for United States national security and that if Washington doesn't act, rival powers such as China or Russia could do so first.
During statements to the press at the White House, Trump maintained that the situation surrounding Greenland is increasingly worrisome from a military standpoint.
According to the president, Russian and Chinese warships and submarines are operating near the island, which represents a direct threat to the United States and its allies. "We are not going to allow Russia or China to occupy Greenland. If we do not do something, that is exactly what they will try to do", he stated.
Trump pointed out that his preference is to reach a negotiated agreement with Denmark and with Greenland's local authorities, but he made it clear that his administration is considering different scenarios.
"I would like to do it the easy way, by reaching an agreement. But if it can't be done, we will have to do it the hard way", he said, emphasizing that all options remain on the table.
The president explained that although the United States already keeps a military presence in Greenland through a strategic base, that is not enough to guarantee solid long-term defense.
"When you own it, you defend it. You do not defend a lease in the same way", Trump stated, insisting that direct ownership of the territory would allow the United States to secure the region more effectively.
Denmark and several of its European allies have reiterated that Greenland is not for sale. However, the Trump administration keeps that history and strategic interests justify at least the discussion.
The president even questioned the historical arguments of sovereignty, by pointing out that the Danish presence dates back centuries and that other countries, including the United States, have also had historical ties with the island.
Sources close to the government have indicated that various alternatives are being analyzed, including economic agreements or incentive packages for Greenlanders that could accompany a possible negotiation. Although Trump avoided speaking of specific figures, he did not rule out that in the future financial aspects will be discussed as part of a possible agreement.
United States officials maintain that securing Greenland would allow not only an improvement of national defense, but also the promotion of investment, infrastructure development, and stability in an area of growing international competition.
