Washington | U.S. President Donald Trump has again floated the idea of the United States annexing Greenland, insisting the Arctic territory is strategically vital for American national security and rich in resources critical to future industries.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the U.S. “needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security,” reiterating comments he has made repeatedly about bringing the semi-autonomous Danish territory under U.S. control.
The remarks sparked immediate pushback across the Danish kingdom, and renewed debate in Greenland — which has extensive self-rule but remains part of Denmark’s sovereign territory.
‘No more fantasies’
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen dismissed the proposal bluntly, calling talk of annexation a “fantasy.”
“No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation,”
he said, while stressing that dialogue must take place through proper channels and with respect for international law.
He emphasized that Greenland is open to discussions about cooperation — but not at the cost of sovereignty or constitutional order.
Earlier, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen underlined that the U.S. has “no right to annex any of the three nations within the Danish kingdom,” noting that Denmark — and therefore Greenland — is covered under NATO’s collective security umbrella. She added that Washington already enjoys access to the island through an existing defense agreement.
Social media post adds fuel
Tensions escalated further after Katie Miller, wife of Trump aide Stephen Miller, posted an image on social media showing Greenland covered in the U.S. flag with the caption “SOON.”
Denmark’s ambassador to Washington issued a “friendly reminder” that the two countries are allies — but underscored that Copenhagen expects respect for territorial integrity.
Strategic island in the Arctic spotlight
Greenland — home to around 57,000 people — has long been central to U.S. Arctic strategy. The island hosts key military installations and sits at a crossroads of shipping lanes, energy routes and resource deposits.
Trump and his allies argue the territory’s:
- strategic geographic position
- growing importance in Arctic defense
- deposits of minerals essential to high-tech sectors
- make it a natural extension of American security policy.
Washington recently intensified diplomatic engagement, including the appointment of a special envoy to Greenland, a move that angered officials in Copenhagen.
Independence vs. annexation
While many Greenlanders support gradual independence from Denmark, opinion surveys consistently show strong opposition to becoming part of the United States.
For residents, questions of identity, cultural survival, environmental security and resource control remain central — and annexation is widely seen as undermining those goals.
Broader geopolitical backdrop
The renewed rhetoric comes amid heightened global tensions, including a recent major U.S. military operation in Venezuela, after which Trump suggested American companies would “run” the country’s oil sector.
That backdrop has fueled concerns in Denmark and Greenland that Washington could contemplate coercive pressure — or even force — to secure its Arctic ambitions. Trump has previously declined to rule that out.
For now, Copenhagen insists its position is clear: Greenland remains Danish territory, with growing self-government — and any future decisions must be made by Greenlanders themselves, not imposed from outside.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
