United States President Donald Trump has reiterated his demand for American control of Greenland, declaring that Washington would acquire the mineral-rich Danish territory “one way or the other.”
Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, justified his position by claiming that US control of the island was essential for national security, citing increased Russian and Chinese military presence in the Arctic.
“If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will, and I’m not letting that happen,” Trump said, although neither Moscow nor Beijing has made any territorial claims to the vast Arctic island.
The US President said he was willing to negotiate with the self-governing territory but insisted that American acquisition was inevitable.
He dismissed Greenland’s defense capabilities, saying, “You know what their defense is? Two dog sleds,” while claiming Russia and China had “destroyers and submarines all over the place.”
Trump’s remarks have sparked strong reactions from Denmark and European allies, who expressed concern over the threats against the strategically located island. The US has operated a military base in Greenland since World War II.
Greenland, which gained home rule from Denmark in 1979 after centuries as a colony, is pursuing greater autonomy.
However, the island’s population and political parties have rejected US control, insisting that only Greenlanders should decide their future.
Denmark’s Prime Minister warned last week that any forceful attempt to seize Greenland would destroy eight decades of transatlantic security cooperation.
Trump dismissed the warning, saying, “If it affects NATO, it affects NATO. But you know, they need us much more than we need them.“