President Donald Trump has once again called for the United States to take control of Greenland, declaring that the strategically important Arctic territory “should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark” during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Trump argued that Greenland is critical to U.S. national security due to its location between North America, Europe, and the Arctic, where Russian and Chinese military activity has increased in recent years.
“Greenland doesn’t help Denmark,” Trump said. “Denmark doesn’t spend money to really help Greenland, but it’s an important part for the United States, and it’s surrounded by Chinese ships and Russian ships.”
Trump also suggested that the United States could reconsider its military commitment to Europe if NATO allies fail to shoulder a greater share of defense responsibilities.
“With all the money we spend to help them with Russia, we don’t have to spend any money. We could remove all of our soldiers from Europe,” he said, repeating his long-standing criticism that European allies rely too heavily on Washington for security.
Greenland has become an increasingly important geopolitical asset as competition in the Arctic intensifies. The island’s strategic location, growing military significance, and vast reserves of rare earth minerals have made it a focal point of U.S., Russian, and Chinese interests.
However, Denmark has firmly rejected any suggestion of selling or transferring Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated her government’s position at the summit, saying the United States’ desire to own Greenland is well known but “this is not going to happen.”
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland since his first term, arguing that Denmark cannot adequately safeguard the territory against growing Russian and Chinese influence. His previous proposal triggered strong opposition from Copenhagen and several European allies.
The renewed comments come as Trump continues to press NATO members to increase defense spending. He argued that the United States contributes disproportionately to the alliance despite recent increases in military budgets by European members and Canada.
Last month, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that discussions involving the United States, Denmark, and Greenland remain ongoing, although Danish officials continue to reject any change in Greenland’s sovereignty.