Former US President Donald Trump has declared his intention for the United States to acquire Greenland, stating it will happen "one way or the other". In remarks made on Monday, 12 January 2026, aboard Air Force One, Trump framed the potential acquisition as a strategic necessity to prevent Russian or Chinese dominance in the Arctic.
A Strategic Deal or a Strategic Strain?
Trump asserted that securing a deal for the vast, autonomous Danish territory would be "easier" than using military force. However, he left no doubt about his resolve, insisting the US would take control regardless of the impact on international alliances. "If it affects NATO, it affects NATO. But they need us much more than we need them," he told reporters, downplaying potential fallout with the Western defence pact.
His justification centred on a perceived security vacuum. "Greenland, basically, their defence is two dogsleds," Trump claimed, contrasting it with alleged Russian and Chinese naval activity in the region. He provided no evidence for these claims, which Denmark disputes. Independent analysis of ship tracking data has shown no significant Chinese or Russian surface vessel presence near Greenland, though experts acknowledge probable submarine operations.
International Reactions and NATO's Arctic Pivot
The controversial statement comes amid heightened NATO focus on Arctic security. Reports indicate the UK is in discussions with allies about deploying British troops to Greenland to deter Russian aggression. On Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer agreed with Trump on a call about the "need to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia in the High North".
When questioned, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander did not rule out stationing UK forces in the territory, highlighting recent defence agreements with Norway for anti-submarine warfare frigates. Germany has also confirmed ongoing NATO talks to bolster security in the Arctic Circle.
China responded sharply to Trump's remarks. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated the US should not use other countries as an excuse for its own strategic interests, adding that all countries' lawful rights in the Arctic should be respected. Beijing, which calls itself a "near-Arctic state", has ambitions to develop a "Polar Silk Road".
The Path to Acquisition: Deals and Incentives
According to sources, the Trump administration is exploring financial incentives to facilitate the takeover. Officials have reportedly considered the idea of offering payments directly to Greenland's 57,000 inhabitants to encourage secession from Denmark and alignment with the US. This follows earlier floated plans of an outright purchase.
The territory is currently defended by Denmark, whose military is far smaller than that of the United States. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to hold talks with Denmark on the Greenland issue in the coming week, setting the stage for a major diplomatic confrontation.
Trump's uncompromising position, the exploration of financial inducements for secession, and the concurrent NATO military planning signal a profound and potentially destabilising shift in the geopolitics of the Arctic region.
