Trump Says US Must Take Greenland to Block China
- By Thetripurapost Web Desk, Washington
- Jan 10, 2026
- 1032
US President Donald Trump on Friday once again strongly advocated the annexation of Greenland, framing the move as a strategic necessity to counter growing Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions. Speaking during a meeting with senior executives from leading oil and gas companies at the White House, Trump argued that failure to act could allow rival powers to dominate the strategically vital territory.
“Acquiring Greenland is not about buying land,” Trump said. “It’s about keeping Russia and China at bay. We cannot afford to have countries like these as our neighbours.”
Trump asserted that the United States would not allow either Moscow or Beijing to gain a foothold in Greenland, citing increased Russian and Chinese naval activity in nearby waters, including the deployment of destroyers and submarines. While noting that he maintains cordial relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump made it clear that Greenland was “non-negotiable” from a US national security standpoint.
The President said he preferred an “easy and smooth deal” with Greenland, while also expressing admiration for Denmark, which governs the autonomous territory. “I’m a big fan of Denmark. They’ve been very good to me,” he told reporters. However, Trump warned that if peaceful avenues failed, the US would consider more assertive options. “We will do something about Greenland, whether they like it or not,” he said.
When questioned about the need for full annexation despite the presence of a longstanding US military base in Greenland, Trump dismissed lease-based arrangements as insufficient. “A lease isn’t protected as much. When we own it, we protect it,” he said, criticising what he described as outdated diplomatic models that rely on long-term agreements rather than outright ownership.
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland since 2019, a stance that has raised concerns within the NATO alliance, as both the United States and Denmark are members. Any attempt to annex the territory could potentially place Washington at odds with its European allies.
Denmark has responded sharply to Trump’s renewed remarks. According to a CNN report, the Danish Defence Ministry reiterated that its armed forces are authorised to respond immediately to any foreign military aggression. The doctrine, dating back to 1952, mandates Danish troops to engage hostile forces without awaiting higher command approval in the event of an unprovoked attack.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the White House is exploring financial incentives as part of a broader strategy to persuade Greenland’s population—estimated at around 57,000—to sever ties with Denmark. Sources cited by Reuters said proposals under consideration include direct payments ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per person, with the total cost estimated between $5 billion and $6 billion. Officials stressed that monetary inducements are only one of several options, alongside diplomatic engagement and, controversially, the potential use of force.
Greenland’s strategic appeal lies in its unique geographical position between North America and Europe, making it a key node in the Mid-Atlantic and Arctic regions. The island hosts the US-operated Thule Air Base, a critical installation for missile warning systems and surveillance of Russian and Chinese military activity.
Beyond security considerations, Greenland is believed to possess vast reserves of rare earth elements, oil, and natural gas—resources vital to future technologies and energy security. With China currently dominating global rare earth supply chains, US policymakers view Greenland as central to reducing strategic dependence on Beijing.
As Arctic ice melts due to climate change, new maritime trade routes are emerging, further amplifying Greenland’s geopolitical significance. Control over the territory would enable the United States to project power across these routes and counter the expanding Arctic ambitions of Russia and China.
For Washington, Greenland has increasingly been cast as a frontline asset in its evolving security doctrine—one that, in Trump’s view, the United States must secure at any cost.