Donald Trump has revived his interest in the U.S. taking control of Greenland, sparking new tension with Denmark. His comments came just as his Vice President, J.D. Vance, prepares for a controversial visit to the island.
Speaking to conservative radio host Vince Coglianese, Trump said, “We need Greenland for international safety and security… from a defensive posture, and even offensive posture, it’s something we need… and we’re going to have to have it.”
Trump also admitted that whether Greenland’s people want to join the U.S. or not isn’t his top concern: “I don’t know. I don’t think they’re un-eager, but I think we have to do it, and we have to convince them.”*
This renewed push has already triggered backlash. Denmark, which has had Greenland under its rule for almost 650 years, sees Trump’s stance as a serious diplomatic threat. Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister, Mute Bourup Egede, called the U.S. visit “highly aggressive” and urged the international community to speak out. Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, added that the U.S. was putting “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland and Denmark, and warned that this disrespects Greenland’s self-governance.
J.D. Vance’s visit, which was originally framed as a friendly, family-style cultural trip, has now been cut short due to local protests and political tensions. The original three-day itinerary — which included stops in Nuuk and Sisimiut and watching a dog sled race — has been reduced to just a brief Friday visit. According to a local outlet, Nyheder, many Greenlanders said “No, thank you” when asked whether they wanted Vance to visit.
Adding to the tension, Greenland recently held a general election and is still forming a new government, with local elections coming up in April. Some Greenlandic politicians see the timing of the U.S. visit as direct interference during a sensitive political moment.
Vance and his wife, Usha, will now limit their visit to a U.S. military base in the island’s northwest, where they’ll be briefed on national security and meet with American troops. Meanwhile, anti-U.S. protests are still expected in several cities.
