Trump Says U.S. Will Take Greenland the “Hard Way” if Deal Cannot Be Reached

President Donald Trump is intensifying his push for U.S. control of Greenland, saying the United States will take the territory “the hard way” if it cannot acquire it through negotiations.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump argued that American action is necessary to prevent Russia or China from occupying Greenland in the future. He said that if a deal cannot be made “the easy way,” the U.S. would pursue other options, without ruling out military intervention.

Greenland’s political leaders responded swiftly, issuing a rare joint statement rejecting Trump’s remarks. Leaders from across the political spectrum said Greenlanders do not want to become Americans or Danes, emphasizing that the island’s future must be decided by its own people.

Greenland is a semiautonomous territory of Denmark and holds strategic importance due to its Arctic location, natural resources, and proximity to North America. Trump and his advisers have discussed multiple options for bringing Greenland under U.S. control, though both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly stated the territory is not for sale.

European leaders have warned that any attempt by the U.S. to take Greenland by force would have serious consequences for NATO. In a joint statement, leaders from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, and Spain reaffirmed that Greenland belongs to its people.

Trump said he prefers a negotiated agreement and stressed that he remains a “fan of Denmark,” but reiterated his belief that U.S. involvement is essential for national security. Asked about reports suggesting the U.S. might offer financial incentives to Greenlanders, Trump said he is not discussing money at this time.

Residents in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, have publicly rejected the idea of joining the U.S., telling reporters that no amount of money would persuade them to give up control of their land.

Meanwhile, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and other party leaders have moved up plans for a parliamentary meeting to discuss the U.S. administration’s comments and determine a formal response.

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