Trump Says US Needs Greenland to Counter Russia, China
Trump argues US control of Greenland is necessary to block Russian and Chinese influence, drawing criticism from Denmark and allies.
President Donald Trump – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States needs to take control of Greenland to stop Russia or China from potentially occupying the island in the future. Speaking to reporters at the White House during a meeting with oil industry leaders, Trump said the US would act on Greenland “whether they like it or not,” warning that inaction could allow rival powers to move in.
He argued that existing arrangements, including a 1951 agreement that allows a US military presence on the island, are not enough to ensure Greenland’s long-term security. Greenland, home to about 57,000 people, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
“You defend ownership. You don’t defend leases. And we’ll have to defend Greenland. If we don’t do it, China or Russia will,” Trump said.
Trump and White House officials have been discussing various plans to bring Greenland under US control, including potential use of the US military and lump sum payments to Greenlanders as part of a bid to convince them to secede from Denmark and potentially join the US.
Leaders in Copenhagen and throughout Europe have reacted with disdain in recent days to comments by Trump and other White House officials asserting their right to Greenland. The US and Denmark are NATO allies bound by a mutual defense agreement.
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On Tuesday, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark issued a joint statement, saying only Greenland and Denmark can decide matters regarding their relations.
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