By Charles Switzer
2:14am PDT, Mar 15, 2025
Trump Doubles Down on Greenland Annexation Plan
President Donald Trump once again pushed for the United States to annex Greenland, claiming that it is essential for national security and hinting at potential military action. During an Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump stated, "I think it'll happen," when asked about Greenland joining the U.S.He justified his ambitions by citing Greenland's strategic position in the North Atlantic and its untapped natural resources.
"We really need it for national security. I think that is why NATO might have to get involved anyway," Trump added.
However, Rutte declined to entertain the idea, making it clear that NATO would not engage in discussions regarding Greenland's territorial status.
Here's where things stand on Trump's lingering Greenland stance…
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Greenlanders Reject Trump's Bid in Election Landslide
Greenland's citizens overwhelmingly rejected Donald Trump's push for annexation, delivering a decisive election victory to Demokraatit, a center-right party that has never held power but strongly opposes U.S. control of the island.Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the incoming prime minister, directly addressed Trump's proposal, stating, "We don't want to be Americans. No, we don't want to be Danes. We want to be Greenlanders, and we want our own independence in the future."
The election results reflect not only a rejection of Trump's overtures but also a broader desire among Greenlanders to move towards full independence from Denmark and its monarchy. The second-place party in the election also campaigned on a promise to break away from Copenhagen within the next three years.
Fear and Resistance Grow Amid U.S. Pressure
Donald Trump's repeated interest in Greenland has sparked fear among its residents, with concerns that the U.S. might attempt to take the island by force. "I think most of us have been scared since the new year because of [Trump's] interest," said Pipaluk Lynge, a member of parliament from the ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party.She added that Greenlanders are now looking to Europe to strengthen ties and secure their sovereignty against any external threats like Trump's perceived imperialist ambitions.
While Trump has not explicitly threatened military action, his administration's continued insistence on Greenland's strategic importance has left many in the territory uneasy.
Denmark's Role in Greenland's Future
Despite its growing independence movement, Greenland remains a Danish territory, with Copenhagen providing around $1 billion annually to support its economy.Denmark also maintains control over Greenland's foreign affairs and defense policies while granting its residents full Danish citizenship, which includes access to European Union benefits.
While the Danish government has firmly rejected President Donald Trump's ambitions, the election results signal that Greenland's political future may shift in the coming years. If the push for full independence gains traction, Denmark could eventually have to negotiate a new arrangement with the territory.
What's Next for Trump's Greenland Ambitions?
Although Greenlanders have made their position clear, Donald Trump has not backed down from his vision of bringing the island under U.S. control. His administration continues to highlight the territory's rich mineral resources — including rare earth elements, oil and natural gas — as key reasons for the U.S. to establish a stronger presence there.
With Greenland's leaders looking toward Europe for support, the geopolitical battle over the Arctic's future is far from over.
Whether Trump will escalate his efforts, seek alternative diplomatic routes or abandon the idea remains to be seen, but his remarks suggest that he is not ready to walk away from the issue just yet.