US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could take control of Greenland “one way or another,” arguing that the Danish self-governing territory is critical to American strategic interests in the Arctic.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday during a meeting with oil industry executives, Trump said Washington must act to prevent Russia or China from gaining a foothold in Greenland. He accused Denmark of failing to adequately protect the surrounding waters, a claim that Greenlandic leaders have rejected.
“We’re going to do something with Greenland whether they like it or not,” Trump said, adding that allowing Russia or China to move into the territory would make them direct U.S. neighbors. “I’d rather make a deal the easy way. But if that doesn’t happen, we’ll do it the hard way.”
Trump’s remarks have fueled concerns following recent U.S. actions in Venezuela, including military strikes and the detention of President Nicolás Maduro, prompting questions about how far Washington might go regarding Greenland.
Earlier Friday, Greenland’s foreign minister said the territory itself should take charge of any discussions with the United States, as American pressure over Greenland continues to grow. Vivian Motzfeldt said Greenland should lead talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, rather than leaving negotiations solely to Denmark.
“When it comes to Greenland, it should be Greenland speaking directly with the United States,” Motzfeldt said, according to Danish broadcaster DR. She argued that Greenland should be able to engage diplomatically with other countries independently, even while remaining part of the Danish kingdom.
Motzfeldt noted that Greenland and Denmark share many values and policies, but said direct dialogue with Washington would be appropriate. She declined to say whether she would prefer to meet Rubio without Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, emphasizing that the talks would still be held jointly.
She added that Greenland is working toward eventual statehood, which would include control over its own foreign policy, but acknowledged that current legal frameworks still require coordination with Denmark.
NATO concerns and Arctic security
Rubio met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Friday as the alliance seeks to ease tensions by highlighting its efforts to strengthen security in the Arctic. A NATO spokesperson said the discussions focused on the region’s strategic importance and ongoing efforts to enhance military capabilities in the High North.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any U.S. military action to seize Greenland could threaten the future of NATO itself.
However, NATO’s top military commander in Europe, U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich, downplayed fears of an alliance crisis. Speaking to reporters in Finland, he said NATO remains fully prepared to defend all member territory and that tensions have not affected military cooperation.
“I don’t see us anywhere near a crisis,” Grynkewich said, adding that NATO forces remain ready to protect “every inch” of allied land.
Motzfeldt expressed cautious optimism ahead of next week’s talks with Rubio, stressing that the outcome remains uncertain. She said Greenland and the United States depend on each other strategically and called for rebuilding relations based on mutual trust.
“Greenland needs the United States, and the United States needs Greenland,” she said. “That relationship must be handled responsibly.”
Source: AL Jazeera