Trump Renews His Intent to Control Greenland

SadaNews - US President Donald Trump has renewed his desire for the United States to take control of Greenland, after announcing plans to appoint Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to the island.

Trump told reporters on Monday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, "We need it for national security," adding, "We have to get it. He (Landry) wanted to lead this campaign."

The president stated that Landry is "a deal maker" and can help implement his vision of controlling the territory. Trump added, "When you look along the coast, you see Russian and Chinese ships everywhere."

Trump Denies Desire for the Region's Minerals

Trump also mentioned that his desire does not stem from Greenland's energy or mineral reserves, noting that the United States has plenty of resources, but from his belief that Denmark has not allocated sufficient spending to protect the island. Greenland is a Danish territory with autonomous governance and its own parliament.

Trump said, "They have a very small population... they say it belongs to Denmark, but Denmark hasn't spent any money. They have no military protection." He added, "They say Denmark was there 300 years ago or something like that, with a boat. Well, we were there with boats too, I'm sure. So we will have to come to a solution."

Rising Controversy Over Greenland and European Concerns

Trump has shown great interest in controlling Greenland since he first proposed the idea of purchasing the territory from Denmark six years ago.

However, the president has become more outspoken about it in his second term, directing senior U.S. officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, to the Arctic island. Donald Trump Jr., the president's eldest son, also visited the island in January before Trump was sworn in for his second term.

Residents of the territory and Denmark are watching U.S. interest cautiously, which has also raised alarms among Danish intelligence officials.

Earlier this month, the Danish Defense Intelligence Service described the United States as a potential security threat, citing the country's efforts to use its economic and technological power as leverage against allies and adversaries for the first time.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in a social media post following the announcement that the European Union stands "in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland."

She added, "The security of the Arctic remains a top priority for the EU, a field in which we seek to work with allies and partners." She continued, "Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law. These principles are essential not only for the EU but for countries around the world."