Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jan 15: US President Donald Trump on Thursday reiterated that Greenland is vital to American national security, underscoring a long-held view following high-level discussions between US and Danish officials at the White House.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the issue of Greenland was under active consideration at the highest levels of the US government. He noted that he was awaiting a detailed briefing after Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland’s senior diplomat Vivian Motzfeldt.
While stressing that Washington maintains strong ties with Denmark, Trump argued that Greenland’s strategic location gives it outsized importance for US and allied defence interests. He linked the island’s relevance to broader American security planning, including what he described as the “Golden Dome” defence initiative, saying Greenland plays a role not just for the United States but also for Europe.
Trump warned that failure by the US to act could open the door for rival powers to expand their presence in the region. He claimed that Russia or China could move into Greenland if Washington does not secure its interests there, asserting that Denmark lacks the capability to counter such threats on its own.
When questioned about whether the United States might attempt to acquire Greenland by force, Trump declined to provide clarity, saying he would not disclose potential options. He dismissed suggestions that such a pursuit could strain or undermine NATO, reiterating that US relations with Denmark remain positive and that discussions were ongoing.
Trump was dismissive of what he described as Denmark’s limited security measures in Greenland, suggesting they were inadequate to deter major global powers. He also pointed out that American interest in Greenland is not new, noting that the idea has been discussed by US leaders for decades, dating back to the era of President Harry Truman and even earlier.
The President said he had also raised the issue with NATO leadership and claimed there was interest within the alliance in seeing progress on the matter. His remarks followed comments by Greenland’s foreign minister, who acknowledged respectful talks in Washington but said clear boundaries had been communicated.
Trump did not announce any immediate policy decisions, emphasising instead that deliberations are continuing and that Greenland remains a key component of US national and transatlantic security considerations.