US President Donald Trump on Wednesday insisted that American control of Greenland is “vital” to national security and essential for his planned Golden Dome air and missile defence system, as top Danish and Greenlandic diplomats prepared for talks at the White House on the future of the strategic Arctic territory.
In a social media post, Trump said the United States needs Greenland “for the purpose of national security” and that NATO would be far more formidable and effective with Greenland in American hands. He added that “anything less than that is unacceptable.”
Trump’s remarks came ahead of scheduled discussions in Washington between US officials including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and foreign ministers from Denmark and Greenland, aimed at addressing escalating tensions over the island’s future.
Denmark has sought to reassure the United States about security in Greenland, with Danish officials saying they are boosting their military presence on the island and coordinating with NATO allies on Arctic defence.
Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has repeatedly rejected proposals for US control, with its leaders affirming their commitment to Danish sovereignty and NATO membership.
Trump argued NATO “should be leading the way” in efforts to secure Greenland and warned that if the United States does not act, Russia or China could, an outcome he said must be prevented.
The issue has generated diplomatic friction, with European allies warning that any attempt to alter Greenland’s status could strain transatlantic relations and jeopardize alliance unity.
AFP
