Former US President Donald Trump has forcefully reiterated his controversial ambition for the United States to assume control of Greenland, framing the vast Arctic island as an imperative for American defence.
A Renewed Push for Control
The comments came during a press conference in Florida on Monday, 23 December 2025, just one day after he appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a new special US envoy to the semi-autonomous Danish territory. This appointment immediately provoked anger from officials in both Greenland and Denmark, who view it as a provocative step.
"We need it for national protection," Trump stated, dismissing notions that the motivation was Greenland's mineral wealth. Instead, he positioned the move as a strategic counter to Russian and Chinese influence, accusing both nations of having ships in the region.
In a historically dubious claim, Trump suggested the US had a prior exploratory claim, stating, "They say that Denmark was there 300 years ago or something with a boat. Well, we were there with boats too, I’m sure. So we’ll have to work it all out." Historical records show Inuit populations have inhabited Greenland for millennia, with European contact beginning in the late 10th century. The US did not become significantly involved in the area until the late 1800s.
Firm Rejection from Copenhagen and Nuuk
The response from Nordic leaders was swift and unequivocal. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a sharp joint rebuke. "We have said it before. Now, we say it again: national borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law," they declared. "They are fundamental principles. You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security."
Denmark has also summoned the US ambassador in Copenhagen for discussions. Trump further inflamed the situation by falsely claiming Denmark does not support Greenland, despite Copenhagen pledging a substantial $253 million multi-year investment package for the island in September.
A Long-Standing Ambition Sparks Fresh Tension
This latest episode revives a long-standing focus of the Trump administration. Earlier in his term, he applied significant pressure to acquire Greenland. In March, Vice President JD Vance visited a US base there, and Trump himself stated he would not rule out using force to take the island. Tensions peaked in May following reports the US was intensifying espionage activities in Greenland.
By October, Danish officials believed the pressure had subsided. Prime Minister Frederiksen noted a feeling that they "can breathe a sigh of relief," but cautioned, "It is my belief that we cannot." The weekend's envoy announcement and Monday's comments have proven her caution justified, plunging transatlantic relations into renewed uncertainty over the future of the strategically crucial Arctic territory.
