Trump Renews Push for Greenland Acquisition Amid National Security Concerns | The GPM

President Donald Trump on January 14, 2026, intensified his campaign for the United States to acquire Greenland, declaring the Arctic island essential for national security and his proposed Golden Dome defense system. In a Truth Social post, he stated that anything less than full US control is unacceptable and urged NATO to lead the effort. This renewed rhetoric highlights escalating geopolitical tensions over the strategically vital territory, controlled by Denmark but increasingly eyed by global powers for its Arctic position.​

US interest in Greenland stretches back centuries, with formal acquisition proposals in the 19th and 20th centuries. President Harry Truman offered Denmark 100 million dollars in gold for the island in 1946, citing its position between North America and Europe. Denmark rejected the bid, yet the US gained rights to Thule Air Base via a 1951 defense pact. Trump first raised the concept publicly in 2019 during his initial term, framing it as a real estate opportunity critical against threats from Russia and China. Following his 2024 reelection, he revived it, tying the island to Arctic resource battles and missile vulnerabilities. At over 2.1 million square kilometers, Greenland would represent the largest US territorial gain in history.​

Denmark holds sovereignty, with Greenland operating as a self governing territory since 2009, empowered to pursue independence. Local leaders repeatedly dismiss sale discussions, prioritizing cultural bonds with Denmark and NATO safeguards. Trump's Wednesday declaration emphasized, "The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building." The Golden Dome envisions a vast missile shield modeled after Israel's Iron Dome, designed to protect the US homeland from hypersonic attacks by rivals. He contended NATO would fortify with American oversight of Greenland, cautioning that Russia or China could otherwise dominate the region. Brushing off Greenland Premier Jens Frederik Nielsen's refusal, Trump deemed it "their problem," prioritizing US possession over mere leases like Thule.​

The comments precede White House discussions where Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio engage Danish and Greenlandic officials. Trump favors a negotiated deal but insists full ownership proves indispensable psychologically. Greenland's prime location enables radar early warnings, missile intercept platforms, and surveillance of Russian Northern Fleet subs plus Chinese polar ventures. As Arctic ice melts, new shipping routes emerge alongside rare earth deposits, attracting competitors. Trump argues Danish defenses fall short against these advances.​

Pentagon strategies weave Greenland into Golden Dome architecture for Arctic vigilance, neutralizing hypersonics routed over the pole. US spokespeople claim NATO gains overall, though detractors fear alliance rifts given Greenland's Article 5 coverage. Trump rebutted, "That's their issue." Reports indicate Trump directed special forces for backup scenarios, encountering pushback on legal grounds. The site already hosts Pituffik Space Base, once Thule, equipped with active ballistic missile radars.​

Denmark terms this a pivotal juncture, Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen affirming Greenland stays off market. European allies echo support, wary of territorial precedents. Premier Nielsen reaffirmed loyalty to Denmark during a Copenhagen briefing. Russia and China capitalize on divisions, Moscow ridiculing US aims while Beijing grows Arctic presence. NATO chief Mark Rutte called for talks, sidestepping Trump's veiled threats.​

Economists such as Jeffrey Sachs fault undervaluing Greenland's assets, pegging real value far above buyout figures. Trump retorts strategic merits demand pursuit, considering direct outreach to Greenlanders bypassing Copenhagen. This narrative probes Trump's dealmaking prowess in his second term's aggressive stance. Victory might realign Arctic balances, locking US sway over uranium and graphite crucial for technology and arms. Setbacks could isolate diplomatically, taxing NATO bonds from World War II era.​

Greenland's 56,000 Inuit residents champion self rule, surveys revealing broad resistance to US absorption. Independence drives accelerate, possibly unlocking standalone deals later. Context mirrors recent US seizures of Russian flagged vessels tied to Venezuela, illustrating Trump's readiness for firm boundary enforcement. Greenland embodies his America First territorial vision in multipolar contests.​

Upcoming sessions might expand base rights instead of outright transfer, akin to prior accords. Trump floats economic perks for locals, yet Danish statutes deem sovereignty untouchable. US forces in Greenland stand reinforced amid posturing. Forecasters foresee drawn out impasse, Trump wielding NATO forums for leverage. Hardline paths invite UNCLOS and global law disputes. In essence, Greenland captures Trump's blueprint for assertive expansion securing American primacy.​