Trump Demands U.S. Ownership of Greenland to Counter Russian, Chinese Influence
Updated (2 articles)
Trump Calls for Greenland Ownership to Deter Rivals President Donald Trump announced at a White House meeting with oil‑company executives that the United States must acquire Greenland outright to stop future Russian or Chinese encroachment, arguing that a lease “does not guarantee defense” and that only full sovereignty can ensure security [1][2].
U.S. Military Presence Already Established Under 1951 Agreement More than 100 U.S. personnel are stationed at the Pituffik base in Greenland, a facility operated since World War II under a 1951 defense pact that permits unlimited troop deployments, yet Trump insists that this arrangement is insufficient without ownership [1][2].
Denmark, Greenland, and NATO Reject Sovereignty Transfer Danish and Greenlandic leaders declared the territory “not for sale,” stressing self‑determination and warning that any forced annexation would jeopardize the trans‑Atlantic NATO alliance; NATO allies echoed the need for joint Denmark‑Greenland decisions and highlighted collective Arctic security [1][2].
White House Explores Payment and Annexation Scenarios Internal discussions have floated lump‑sum payments to Greenlanders and the possible use of U.S. military assets, even contemplating annexation by force, while European officials expressed strong disdain and reaffirmed that only Denmark and Greenland can decide their future [1].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
The Hindu: Trump calls for U.S. ownership of Greenland to deter Russia and China – details Trump’s ownership proposal during a meeting with oil executives, contrasts ownership with lease options, and outlines European criticism and White House contingency plans .
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[2]
BBC: Trump calls for U.S. ownership of Greenland to deter rivals – highlights Trump’s security rationale, notes Denmark and Greenland’s opposition, NATO’s coordinated stance, and describes the existing U.S. military footprint and Greenlandic self‑determination demands .
Timeline
1940s – The United States establishes the Pituffik base in Greenland during World War II, creating the first permanent U.S. military foothold on the island and setting the stage for later strategic use of the Arctic outpost. [1]
1951 – The United States and Denmark sign a defense agreement that permits unlimited U.S. troop deployments to Greenland, cementing a long‑standing lease‑style security arrangement that Trump later calls insufficient. [1]
Jan 9, 2026 – President Donald Trump tells reporters that the United States “should own Greenland rather than lease it,” arguing that ownership is the only way to guarantee defense against “future Russian or Chinese occupation.” [1]
Jan 9, 2026 – In a White House meeting with oil‑company executives, Trump repeats the claim, stating, “We must acquire Greenland to deter Russia and China,” and frames ownership as a “stronger deterrent than any lease.” [2]
Jan 9, 2026 – Trump emphasizes that a lease “is not enough” and that the U.S. would have to “defend Greenland” only if it had full sovereignty, highlighting a shift from the existing 1951 arrangement to a call for outright control. [1][2]
Jan 10, 2026 – European leaders, including Denmark’s prime minister, push back sharply, issuing a joint statement that “Greenland and Denmark alone can decide matters regarding their relations,” and warning that any U.S. move “could spell the end of the trans‑Atlantic defence alliance.” [2]
Jan 10, 2026 – The White House explores drastic options, such as using U.S. military assets or offering “lump‑sum payments to Greenlanders” to persuade them to secede from Denmark, indicating a willingness to consider forceful acquisition. [2]
Jan 10, 2026 – Greenland’s party leaders issue a joint self‑determination statement, declaring “we do not want to be American or Danish” and insisting that the island’s future must be decided by its 57,000 residents. [1]
Jan 10, 2026 – NATO allies reiterate a coordinated stance, stating that any decision on Greenland’s status must involve both Denmark and Greenland and emphasizing that Arctic security remains a collective effort, not a unilateral U.S. project. [1]