Donald Trump hints at sending troops to take over Greenland ahead of big announcement

President Donald Trump has once again expressed his interest in acquiring Greenland, emphasizing its importance for US national security. During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, Trump suggested that the US “needs” Greenland and hinted at the possibility of sending more American troops to the island. He also implied that NATO might have to get involved in the matter, though Rutte declined to engage with the idea, stating that Greenland’s potential annexation by the US was not a topic for NATO to address.

Trump highlighted the US’s existing military presence in Greenland, noting, “We have a couple of bases on Greenland already and we have quite a few soldiers. Maybe you will see more and more soldiers go there.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was present at the meeting, nodded in agreement with Trump’s remarks.

However, Greenlanders have made it clear that they are not interested in becoming part of the US. In a recent election, voters gave first place to Demokraatit, a center-right party that strongly opposes American control of the island. The party’s leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who is set to become Greenland’s next prime minister, firmly rejected Trump’s ambitions, 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 also reflected a broader desire for independence from Denmark, with the second-place party advocating for sovereignty within the next three years. Greenland, the world’s largest island with a population of about 56,000, has been under Danish control for nearly 300 years. It gained home rule in 1979 but still receives significant financial support from Denmark, amounting to about £1 billion annually.

Trump’s interest in Greenland stems from its strategic location in the North Atlantic and its potential mineral wealth, including natural gas and oil reserves. However, many Greenlanders fear a forceful takeover by the US. Pipaluk Lynge, a member of parliament, expressed concerns, saying, “I think most of us have been scared since the new year because of Trump’s interest.”

The election results and the strong opposition from Greenland’s political leaders underscore the island’s determination to maintain its autonomy and pursue independence rather than becoming part of the US or remaining under Danish control. As Trump continues to push his agenda, Greenland’s resolve to chart its own course remains steadfast.