Trump Revives Greenland Takeover Talk, Sparking Tension with Denmark

U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by suggesting the U.S. could annex Greenland, calling the move vital to national security. “I think Greenland is something that may be in our future,” Trump said after a cabinet meeting, claiming locals are reaching out to his administration. “They’re calling us. We’re not calling them.”

His comments come ahead of a high-profile U.S. delegation visit to Greenland, led by Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. The trip includes stops at the Pituffik Space Base and a national dog sled race. However, Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede slammed the visit as a “provocation,” stating his caretaker government will not engage with the group. He urged stronger support from international allies against what he called foreign interference.

Greenland recently held a parliamentary election won by the pro-business Democrats. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the party’s leader, criticized the timing of the U.S. visit, warning against foreign influence during sensitive coalition talks.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called the visit “problematic” and accused the U.S. of trying to lure Greenland away from Denmark. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that any talks must respect Greenland’s sovereignty.

Despite strong opposition, Trump—who first proposed buying Greenland in 2019—has not ruled out using force, citing the island’s strategic location and abundance of critical minerals. Two U.S. military planes and dozens of Danish security personnel have already landed in Nuuk ahead of the delegation’s arrival.

The White House maintains the visit is about “mutual respect and economic cooperation,” but the growing backlash in both Greenland and Denmark suggests deepening geopolitical tensions.