U.S. President Donald Trump said that the United States needs to “own” Greenland to prevent Russia or China from gaining influence there, intensifying a controversial push over the strategically vital Arctic territory.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump reiterated that the U.S. must have full ownership of Greenland — rather than relying on leases or military access — to ensure its defence and keep out geopolitical rivals.

“We are going to do something about Greenland, whether they like it or not,” Trump said, adding that the United States could seek control either “the easy way” or “the hard way.”

Trump framed the move as necessary to prevent Russia or China from establishing a presence on the island, a claim repeated in his remarks but not backed by public evidence.

Trump says the US needs to own Greenland to prevent Russia or China from occupying it in the future https://t.co/RtezZgYNiL pic.twitter.com/4efluCClGx
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 10, 2026

The U.S. already maintains a military presence in Greenland under a longstanding defence agreement with Denmark, which includes more than 100 U.S. personnel at a base in the northwest.

Trump argued that such agreements are insufficient, saying “you defend ownership, you don’t defend leases,” and that sovereign control would allow stronger long-term defence postures.

Greenland’s location — between North America, Europe, and the Arctic — makes it strategically valuable for early warning systems and monitoring naval movements in the region.

Denmark and allies reject US control

Denmark and Greenland have both stated unequivocally that the territory is not for sale. Danish leaders have warned that any attempt to take control by force would undermine NATO and post‑World War II alliances.

European allies, including France and Germany, issued joint statements reaffirming that decisions about Greenland’s future rest with Denmark and Greenlandic authorities.

Longstanding US interest in Greenland

Trump first floated buying Greenland in 2019, an idea that was rejected at the time. He has since linked the island to broader national security and geopolitical competition with global powers.

Reports note that Greenland also has significant natural resources, including rare earth minerals and potential oil and gas reserves, adding economic importance to its strategic location as the Arctic becomes more accessible due to climate change.

In response to Trump’s latest comments, Greenlandic political leaders reiterated their desire for self‑determination.

“We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,” they said in a joint statement, emphasising that decisions about the territory’s future belong to its people.