President Donald Trump declared on Friday that his government will act regarding Greenland “regardless of their opinion,” intensifying his language as he seeks to procure the Danish territory for the United States.
“I would prefer to finalize a deal amicably. However, if we can’t achieve that easily, we’ll resort to tougher measures,” Trump stated to the media at the White House.
This statement occurred during a discussion with oil industry executives about the potential for ventures in Venezuela. Just days prior, the U.S. military had invaded the oil-rich South American country and detained its leader, Nicolás Maduro.
Trump has consistently expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, mainly due to the island’s strategic significance for U.S. national security.
Denmark, along with its NATO partners in Europe — the military coalition co-established by the U.S. — has opposed this move, asserting that Greenland is not up for sale. Nonetheless, the Trump administration maintains it is evaluating various options regarding Greenland, including utilizing the U.S. military or negotiating a purchase from Denmark.
Officials have also considered providing cash payments to Greenland residents as an incentive for them to become part of the U.S., Reuters reported on Thursday.
When asked on Friday about the magnitude of these payments, Trump responded, “I haven’t discussed finances for Greenland yet.”
“I may address that in the future, but at present we are going to implement something regarding Greenland, one way or another,” Trump stated.
“If we don’t act, Russia or China might take control of Greenland, and we cannot allow Russia or China to be our neighbors,” he emphasized.
Trump mentioned that although he appreciates Denmark, “the mere fact they had a ship land there centuries ago doesn’t grant them ownership of the land. I’m sure we had many ships go there too.”
“Thus, we will pursue something related to Greenland, either in a pleasant manner or a more challenging approach,” he articulated.
The U.S. military currently operates a base in Greenland, and it reportedly has the capacity to increase its presence there if necessary.
However, Trump believes that’s insufficient.
“When we have ownership, we defend it. You can’t protect leases in the same manner; ownership is essential,” he concluded.
