US President Donald Trump says Denmark would transfer Greenland “the easy way” or “the hard way”.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within Denmark, having transitioned from colonial status in 1953 to home rule in 1979 — and expanded self-government in 2009.
Denmark retains control over foreign affairs, defence, and monetary policy, while Greenland manages internal matters like education and health.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to acquire Greenland, stating that the Danish-administered Arctic Island is “critical” for national and economic security.
He mulled the idea during his first term in 2019 and made an offer to buy the island, only to be told it was not for sale.
On Friday, Trump said the US will acquire Greenland “whether they like it or not” because “if we don’t do it, China or Russia will”.
“Ownership” is necessary, Trump said, because “you don’t defend leases the same way — you have to own it”.
The remarks came just three days after Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, said military action was “always an option” in taking control of Greenland.
Greenland has reiterated that it is not for sale. Denmark, a long-time US ally, has also said Greenland is not for sale, insisting that the island belongs to its inhabitants.
In a joint statement on Friday night, Greenland’s party leaders, including the opposition, reiterated their call for the “US’s disregard for our country to end”.
“We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders. The future of Greenland must be decided by the Greenlandic people,” they said.
Concerns over the future of Greenland resurfaced after the US invaded Venezuela last Saturday and captured President Nicolás Maduro in a military operation.
Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, is to hold talks with Denmark next week.
The US has acquired land from other countries multiple times throughout its history, primarily through purchases, treaties, annexations, and cessions.
Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, and Louisiana from France in 1803 for $15 million.
