Asger Risom
The former president insists the U.S. “urgently needs” Greenland for national security, fueling international alarm
Donald Trump has once again floated the idea of annexing Greenland—this time refusing to rule out the use of military force. In an interview with NBC News on
Sunday, the former president declared, “We urgently need Greenland,” adding that while he doesn’t plan to seize the Danish territory, “I don’t rule anything out.”
Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland—either through purchase, coercion, or force—has resurfaced multiple times since his return to the campaign trail. In the latest interview, he emphasized that the island’s location and natural resources are vital to U.S. strategic interests.
“Greenland has a very small population, which we’ll take care of, which we’ll cherish, and all that,” Trump said. “But we need it for international security.”
As reported by Digi24, the Arctic territory’s strategic location—between North America and Europe, along key maritime routes—makes it central to potential future conflicts, particularly with Russia. But beyond geopolitics, Trump appears interested in Greenland’s untapped mineral wealth, including rare earth elements, oil, and gas—resources expected to become increasingly accessible as polar ice melts.
Greenland and Canada Push Back
The government of Greenland has been unambiguous in its opposition. “The United States will not get Greenland. We belong to no one else. We decide our own future,” Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in March.
Trump’s annexation rhetoric hasn’t been limited to Greenland. He has repeatedly joked—or threatened—about turning Canada into “the 51st state.” This has strained diplomatic ties and sparked political backlash north of the border. Following last week’s Canadian elections, newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney declared his country “will never yield” to U.S. pressure.
Trump told NBC that using force against Canada is “highly unlikely” and described Carney as “a very nice man” after a congratulatory phone call. The two are scheduled to meet in Washington on Tuesday.
Asked if annexation will be discussed, Trump quipped, “I always talk about it,” adding, “If Canada were a state, it would be wonderful. It would be a cherished state.”