Trump repeats call for Greenland annexation, declines to rule out force
President Donald Trump again asserted that the United States “needs” Greenland, saying the Arctic island is essential for U.S. defense, during a telephone interview published today by The Atlantic.
In the interview, Trump described Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and a NATO ally, as strategically vulnerable, claiming without providing evidence that it was “surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships.” He said the United States “absolutely” needs Greenland, language that echoes and reinforces his earlier calls for U.S. control of the island.
Asked whether the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, signaled a willingness to use force elsewhere, including in Greenland, Trump declined to draw a direct link but did not rule it out. “They are going to have to view it themselves,” he said, adding, “we do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense.” (Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded to Trump on January 5, claiming that an attack on Greenland would be the end of NATO)
The remarks come a day after Katie Miller, wife of top Trump aide Stephen Miller, posted an image on X suggesting the U.S. will “soon” annex Greenland.
Updated January 5.
