Trump again floats use of force to take Greenland, dismissing Denmark’s sovereignty

US President Donald Trump on Friday renewed his controversial proposal to acquire Greenland, openly suggesting the possible use of force and brushing aside Denmark’s sovereignty over the autonomous Arctic territory.

Speaking at a White House meeting with oil industry executives, Trump said the United States would act to secure Greenland regardless of Denmark’s objections.

“We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,” Trump said. “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.”

Trump argued that control of Greenland, which is rich in strategic minerals, is vital for US national security, citing increased military activity by Russia and China in the Arctic region.

“We’re not going to have Russia or China occupy Greenland,” he said. “That’s what they’re going to do if we don’t. So we’re going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way.”

While both Russia and China have expanded their Arctic presence in recent years, neither country has made a formal claim to Greenland.

Trump’s remarks have drawn sharp reactions from Denmark and other European allies. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any invasion of Greenland would jeopardize NATO and the post-World War II global security framework.

Despite the criticism, Trump downplayed tensions with Copenhagen, calling Denmark a valued ally.

“I’m a fan of Denmark,” he said. “They’ve been very nice to me. But the fact that they had a boat land there 500 years ago doesn’t mean they own the land.”

The United States already maintains a military base in Greenland, which is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet next week with Denmark’s foreign minister and representatives from Greenland amid rising diplomatic tensions over the issue.