Trump says US needs Greenland for national security as EU leaders issue strong sovereignty warning

UNITED STATES: US President Donald Trump has said the United States needs Greenland from a national security perspective, arguing that the vast Arctic island is essential to the defence of both America and Europe.

His remarks triggered swift resistance from Denmark, Greenland’s leadership and senior figures across the European Union, who warned against any challenge to sovereignty.

The comments came amid heightened global tensions, following a US raid in Venezuela that captured Nicolás Maduro, raising concerns among European allies about Washington’s broader security posture.

Remarks made aboard Air Force One

On 4 January 2026, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked about Greenland. He initially declined to comment but later commented that the US needed Greenland from a “national security situation”, stressing that his concerns extended beyond American interests alone.

“It’s so strategic. Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place,” Trump said.

Criticism of Denmark’s role

Trump also dismissed European objections, arguing that Denmark lacked the capacity to secure the territory.

“We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security. And the European Union needs us to have it, and they know that,” he said.

He mocked recent Danish efforts to strengthen Arctic security, claiming Copenhagen had “added one more dog sled” to boost defences.

While he did not draw a direct operational link between Venezuela and Greenland, he suggested recent events underscored the urgency of securing strategic locations worldwide.

European officials said the timing amplified unease, with allies questioning whether territorial claims were becoming part of Washington’s security messaging.

Greenland and Denmark reject the idea

Both Greenland’s prime minister and Denmark’s prime minister strongly rejected Trump’s comments over the weekend.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen said “that’s enough now”, describing the notion of US control over the island as a “fantasy”.

He reiterated that Greenland’s future would be decided by Greenlanders, not external powers.

Denmark warns of NATO consequences

Denmark, which oversees Greenland’s foreign and defence policy, reacted sharply. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any US invasion would have severe consequences for transatlantic relations.

She said that if such a move were attempted, “everything stops… including NATO”, highlighting the seriousness of Copenhagen’s response.

Frederiksen repeated that Greenland was not for sale and stressed the rights of its people to self-determination.

EU reaffirms sovereignty principles

The European Union moved quickly to support Denmark. On Monday, the bloc reiterated its commitment to national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said the EU would continue to uphold these principles and the UN Charter, particularly when an EU member’s territory was questioned.

She described these as universal principles the EU would not hesitate to defend.

UK and wider European concern

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer publicly backed Denmark, underlining the importance of respecting borders and alliance unity.

Several EU governments privately described Trump’s remarks as destabilising, particularly at a time when cohesion within NATO is seen as critical.

Diplomats warned that such rhetoric could set dangerous precedents for other territorial disputes globally.

Strategic importance of Greenland

Greenland occupies a key position between North America and Europe and has grown in importance as Arctic ice recedes.

The territory hosts radar installations and sits along emerging military and shipping routes, making it central to Arctic security calculations.

Analysts note that competition in the region has intensified, but European leaders argue security must be managed through cooperation.

Existing defence arrangements

Denmark has highlighted long-standing defence agreements with the US, under which American forces already operate in Greenland.

Officials say these arrangements demonstrate that security concerns can be addressed without challenging sovereignty or borders.

The Danish government has repeatedly said it is open to dialogue on Arctic security within established frameworks.

European leaders are reiterating solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, emphasising that the island falls under NATO’s security umbrella.

Paula Pinho, the European Commission’s chief spokesperson, said Greenland’s status as an ally made comparisons with Venezuela inappropriate.