In a statement that has reignited geopolitical debates, former United States President Donald Trump has asserted that America needs to take ownership of Greenland to prevent rivals Russia and China from gaining a foothold. The remarks, made to reporters, underscore a continued hardline stance on Arctic security and great power competition.
A Bold Declaration on Arctic Sovereignty
Speaking on 10 January 2026, Trump left little room for ambiguity regarding his intentions for the world's largest island. He framed the potential acquisition of Greenland as an urgent strategic imperative, not merely a diplomatic or economic consideration. His comments suggest a future administration under his leadership would pursue this goal aggressively, regardless of the preferences of other parties involved.
"We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not," Trump stated emphatically. He provided a stark rationale for this uncompromising position, directly linking it to the actions of other global powers. "Because if we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we're not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor," he told reporters, as covered by Reuters.
The Strategic Calculus Behind the Statement
Trump's declaration is rooted in the growing geopolitical significance of the Arctic region. Key factors driving this concern include:
- Resource Access: The Arctic holds vast untapped reserves of oil, natural gas, and minerals.
- Shipping Lanes: Melting ice is opening new sea routes, which could dramatically shorten global trade passages.
- Military Positioning: Control of Greenland offers a strategic vantage point for missile defense and power projection across the Northern Hemisphere.
By explicitly naming Russia and China, Trump positioned the United States in a direct contest for influence in the High North. Both nations have significantly increased their Arctic investments and activities in recent years, a trend viewed with apprehension in Washington defence circles.
Potential Repercussions and Global Reactions
This proposition is not new from Trump, who publicly floated the idea of purchasing Greenland during his first term, an offer swiftly rejected by Denmark, which governs Greenland's foreign affairs. However, the language used in this latest instance is notably more forceful, implying action beyond a simple purchase.
The statement is likely to trigger significant diplomatic reactions. It directly challenges:
- The sovereignty and self-determination rights of Greenland's population.
- The longstanding alliance and diplomatic relations with Denmark, a NATO member.
- Established international norms governing territorial acquisition.
Furthermore, it signals a potential return to a transactional and zero-sum approach to foreign policy, where strategic gains are prioritised over traditional alliance management. For India, a nation carefully navigating its relationships with both the US and Russia, such bold statements add complexity to the global strategic landscape, particularly concerning multilateral cooperation and polar research.
As the 2026 political landscape takes shape, Trump's comments on Greenland serve as a clear marker of his foreign policy priorities, placing Arctic dominance at the heart of a strategy to counter perceived threats from Russia and China.
