Trump reiterates urgency of acquiring Greenland as JD Vance prepares to visit

United States President Donald Trump has reiterated his desire for the US to take control of Greenland, calling the territory essential for national security. His comments come just ahead of a controversial visit to the Danish autonomous territory by Vice President JD Vance.

In an interview on Wednesday, Trump stated, "We need Greenland for international safety and security. We need it. We have to have it." He emphasised the strategic importance of the island, citing its defensive capabilities as critical amidst rising global tensions.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has repeatedly advocated for US control over Greenland, suggesting that military force could be an option, despite the territory's long-standing governance by Denmark. "It’s not possible to properly defend a large section of this Earth, not just the United States, without it," Trump asserted.

Greenland, situated between North America and Europe, is increasingly important due to growing interest from the US, China, and Russia in the Arctic region. The territory also possesses untapped mineral and oil reserves that could significantly impact global trade dynamics.

When asked if he believed the people of Greenland were interested in joining the US, Trump responded, "I think we have to do it and convince them." He added, "We have to have that land because it’s not possible to properly defend a large section of this Earth without it."

The statements come as US officials plan their visit, initially intended to coincide with a dog-sled race but now including a stop at a military base. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has expressed concerns that the trip represents "unacceptable pressure" on Greenland to consider ceding its territory to the US.

The planned visit by Vice President Vance will mark him as the highest-ranking US official to travel to Greenland, a move Danish officials have cautiously welcomed, given the changing itinerary.

Earlier, Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede condemned the upcoming visit of US Second Lady Usha Vance and other senior American officials as a “provocation.”

Speaking to Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq, Egede said the visit by Waltz in particular was “highly aggressive” and served no purpose other than to assert pressure on the territory.

“The only purpose is to show a demonstration of power to us, and the signal is not to be misunderstood,” Egede said.