Trump renews Greenland claim at NATO Summit, says it should be controlled by US

Speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after their meeting in Ankara during NATO summit, Trump linked Greenland directly to US national security and claimed Denmark had not done enough for the island despite continued American support for Europe.

In Short

• Trump insists Greenland should belong to the US, not Denmark
• He links Greenland to US national security against Russia and China
• Denmark and Greenland reject any sale or sovereignty transfer

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday renewed his push for American control of the Arctic island, saying Greenland should belong to the United States rather than Denmark. Speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after their meeting in Ankara during the NATO summit, Trump linked Greenland directly to US national security and claimed Denmark had not done enough for the island despite continued American support for Europe.

His remarks are the latest in a long-running dispute over Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland during his first term in 2019. Since returning to office, he has repeatedly revived the proposal, arguing that the island is vital to countering growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected any suggestion that the territory is for sale.

TRUMP DOUBLES DOWN ON GREENLAND CLAIM

Speaking to reporters, Trump insisted Greenland's future should not remain under Danish control.

"Well, that's what hurt my relationship with NATO because Greenland doesn't help Denmark. Denmark doesn't spend money to really help Greenland, but it's an important part for the United States, and it's surrounded by China ships and Russian ship."

He went on to argue that Washington should have authority over the Arctic territory.

"That should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark. And when they wouldn't go along with it and with all the money we spend to help them with Russia and we don't have to spend any money. We could remove all of our soldiers out of Europe. They better be careful."

The comments once again placed Greenland at the centre of Trump's broader criticism of NATO allies and European defence spending.

WHY GREENLAND MATTERS

Greenland has become increasingly important in Trump's geopolitics because of its location in the Arctic, where melting sea ice is opening new shipping routes and access to valuable mineral resources.

The island also sits along key military and missile defence routes between North America and Europe. The US already operates the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, formerly known as Thule Air Base, which plays a major role in missile warning and space surveillance.

Trump has repeatedly argued that greater American control over Greenland is necessary to counter Russia's expanding Arctic military presence and China's growing interest in Arctic shipping lanes, infrastructure and critical minerals.

The Greenland issue has repeatedly tested relations between Washington and Copenhagen.

Trump's attempt to purchase Greenland was firmly rejected by Denmark, prompting him to cancel a planned visit to Copenhagen. After returning to the White House, he revived the proposal and even said Denmark could face economic consequences if it refused to negotiate, sparking another diplomatic standoff.

Danish leaders have consistently maintained that Greenland is not for sale and that only Greenlanders can determine the territory's future. Greenland's government has also rejected any transfer of sovereignty while remaining open to closer security and economic cooperation with the United States. Public opinion polls have shown overwhelming opposition among Greenlanders to becoming part of the US.

TRUMP CRITICISES NATO

Trump also used the occasion to renew his criticism of NATO, saying he attended the summit because it was hosted by Turkiye. He said he might not have made the trip under different circumstances and expressed frustration that several allies had not backed Washington during the recent Iran conflict.

According to Trump, the US has shouldered Europe's security burden for decades, particularly in protecting NATO allies from Russia. He argued that Washington has spent billions defending the continent while many European nations have failed to contribute their fair share to collective defence.

The US President also said Europe must do more to tackle illegal immigration and strengthen its energy security if it wants to remain stable in the years ahead.

Defence spending has emerged as one of the defining issues at this year's NATO summit. Under sustained pressure from Trump, European allies have unveiled new defence investments, arms procurement plans and initiatives aimed at building greater military capability while reducing reliance on the US. NATO leaders have also continued discussions on strengthening the alliance's eastern flank and maintaining support for Ukraine as Russia's war continues.

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