President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States intends to take action regarding Greenland, citing national security concerns and growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic. The comments came during a press question-and-answer session following a roundtable with oil executives and Cabinet members in the East Room, where Trump addressed reporters about the administration’s priorities and foreign policy posture.
During the exchange, Trump stated: “Right now, we are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not, because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor. I would like to make a deal the easy way, but if we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way.” His remarks reflect the administration’s long-running position that Greenland’s location and resources carry strategic importance for U.S. defense, shipping routes, and Arctic security as competition among major powers intensifies.
Trump’s comments come as several European governments move to coordinate their response. Earlier this week, leaders from Canada and multiple NATO allies—including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the United Kingdom—signed a joint statement affirming that decisions about Greenland’s future should be made solely by Denmark and the people of Greenland. France, Germany, and Poland have also engaged other European nations as they assess diplomatic options following renewed signals from Washington.
The administration’s focus on Greenland has been reinforced by recent personnel decisions. Weeks earlier, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland, saying Landry “understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security” and will help advance “the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies.” Vice President JD Vance also visited the island earlier in 2025, delivering a message of support from the president and highlighting the administration’s continued engagement with Greenland’s leadership and local stakeholders.
According to Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, the administration’s position has remained consistent since Trump’s first term. Miller said earlier this week, “Nobody’s going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland,” and questioned Denmark’s authority over the territory, asking, “What is the basis of their territorial claim? What is their basis of having Greenland as a colony of Denmark?” The remarks underscore internal administration arguments that Greenland’s status should be reassessed in light of contemporary security realities.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has responded by warning that any annexation of Greenland by force would dismantle NATO and fracture transatlantic security arrangements. Canada has taken steps signaling support for Denmark, with Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Governor General Mary Simon announcing plans to open a consulate in Nuuk. Prime Minister Mark Carney also joined European leaders in emphasizing that Greenland’s future should be determined by Denmark and the island’s residents.
The exchange highlights broader questions about sovereignty, alliance coordination, and the role of the Arctic in national defense planning. As global interest in the region increases due to shipping lanes, natural resources, and military positioning, Greenland has become a focal point for discussions about security responsibilities, international law, and the balance between allied cooperation and national strategic priorities.
