Trump: United States wants Greenland to prevent Russia and China from taking it

(Patria) - US President Donald Trump said that the United States wants to have Greenland and will gain control over it in one form or another, TASS reported.

At a meeting with oil industry executives, Trump was asked about the costs of annexing Greenland to the United States.

"I'm not talking about money for Greenland. However, I might talk about it, but right now we will do something about Greenland, whether they like it or not, because if we don't, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we won't have Russia or China as neighbors," Trump responded.

"I would like to reach an agreement, you know, the easy way, but if we don't do it the easy way, we will do it the hard way," the US leader added.

When asked to explain why he wants Greenland to become part of the United States if Washington has the opportunity to undertake practically any military action on the island and in surrounding waters, Trump replied:

"Because when we own it, we defend it. You don't defend a lease the same way; you have to own it."

Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland should join the US. He did not rule out the use of force to resolve the issue in an interview with NBC News in early May 2025.

US Vice President JD Vance said at the end of March last year that the US government expects Greenland to gain independence and then peacefully join the United States. According to Vance, Washington would not resort to military force in that case.

On the other hand, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified on January 7 that Trump is actively discussing the possibility of purchasing Greenland with his subordinates.

Greenland is part of Denmark as an autonomous territory. In 1951, Washington and Copenhagen signed the Defense of Greenland Agreement, alongside their obligations under the NATO alliance. Under this agreement, the United States committed to defending the island from possible aggression.