Trump: Greenland Should Be Controlled by U.S., Not Denmark

U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Greenland should fall under American control rather than Danish sovereignty. These remarks, made on the sidelines of a NATO summit, have created tensions between Washington and Copenhagen, both founding members of the alliance.

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It should be controlled by the U.S., not by Denmark.

"It should be controlled by the U.S., not by Denmark," Trump stated directly to journalists during a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The U.S. leader suggested that the issue of Greenland's control had strained relations within NATO. He argued that Greenland does not benefit Denmark, which he claimed does not invest sufficiently in the island's welfare. Trump highlighted Greenland's strategic importance to the U.S., noting the presence of Chinese and Russian ships in the surrounding waters.

Trump further linked the issue to defense contributions within NATO, implying that Denmark's allies, including the U.S., spend significant funds to assist with Russia, and questioned Denmark's commitment. "They wouldn't agree to that and all the money we spend to help them with Russia," he added, referencing the defense contributions of North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies.

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This has hurt my relationship with NATO, because Greenland does not help Denmark. Denmark does not spend money to really help Greenland, but it is an important piece for the U.S. and it is surrounded by Chinese ships and Russian ships and that is not going to happen.

Earlier, in June, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had indicated that discussions with Denmark and Greenland were proceeding on a monthly basis, leaving the door open for further diplomatic engagement on the island's future.

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They wouldn't agree to that and all the money we spend to help them with Russia.