'Not important for Denmark': Trump says US needs Greenland for 'protection of the world'

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again asserted that the United States should take control of Greenland, describing the Arctic island as strategically crucial for global security while downplaying its importance to Denmark. Trump revived a long-standing dispute, suggesting the U.S. should not have returned Greenland to Denmark after World War II.

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Greenland is very important for the United States but it's not important for Denmark. In fact, when Denmark was overrun by the Nazis in less than one day... they asked us to take care of Greenland.

Speaking at a NATO meeting, Trump stated, "Greenland is very important for the United States but it's not important for Denmark. In fact, when Denmark was overrun by the Nazis in less than one day... they asked us to take care of Greenland." He argued that the U.S. needs Greenland for "protection of the world, not just the United States."

Trump's remarks come amid growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic involving Russia and China. He claimed that Denmark is not adequately investing in Greenland and highlighted the island's strategic location along key North Atlantic sea routes. The U.S. already maintains a military presence in Greenland under a 1951 defense agreement.

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We shouldn't have given it back to them because we're the ones that need it. We need it for protection of the world, not just the United States.

While acknowledging Greenland's potential mineral wealth, Trump has consistently emphasized security as the primary driver for his interest. Greenland, the world's largest island and an autonomous Danish territory, holds significant geopolitical importance due to its location and potential for new shipping routes as Arctic ice melts. Denmark has previously rejected Trump's assertions regarding the island.

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Denmark doesn't spend money to really help Greenland, but it's an important part for the United States.