Ankara, July 8, 2026
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday renewed his call for the United States to control Greenland, describing the Arctic island as vital to global security and arguing that Denmark has little strategic use for the territory.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte before a meeting of alliance leaders in Ankara, Trump said Greenland remains a key US national security priority and suggested discussions with Denmark were progressing.
“Greenland is very important for the United States, but it’s not important for Denmark,” Trump said.
The President argued that the island’s importance stems from its strategic location rather than its value to Copenhagen.
“We need it for protection of the world, not just the United States. And it’s very important,” he said.
Trump revisited his long-held claim that the United States had once effectively controlled Greenland during the Second World War after Nazi Germany occupied Denmark.
“When Denmark was overrun by the Nazis in less than one day… they asked us to take care of Greenland. In fact, we took Greenland and then stupidly we gave it back,” he said.
“We shouldn’t have given it back to them because we’re the ones that need it.”
He linked Greenland to broader US strategic interests, comparing it with the Panama Canal.
“I wouldn’t have given the Panama Canal back either… because China’s tried to take over the Panama Canal and that’s not gonna happen,” Trump said.
Earlier in the meeting, Trump criticised NATO over Greenland, saying the alliance had not adequately addressed US concerns.
“I’m not happy with NATO because of what they did with Greenland,” he said while also expressing frustration over defence burden-sharing within the alliance.
Rutte responded by suggesting that progress had been made since discussions between the two leaders in Davos.
“You and I made a deal in Davos. I will make sure that that deal is step by step being implemented,” Rutte said.
“That you can deploy if you want the Golden Dome on Greenland… Marco was leading them from your side with the Greenlanders and the Danes.”
Although neither leader elaborated on the discussions, the exchange suggested that Greenland remains an active topic in US consultations with Denmark and NATO.
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland’s location between North America and Europe makes it indispensable for missile defence, Arctic surveillance and military operations. His administration has increasingly linked the territory to the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence architecture and broader Arctic security.(Agency)
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