Trump Issues Ultimatum on Greenland Takeover, Warning of Action the “Hard Way” to Counter Russia and China

Trump also dismissed Denmark’s historical claim to the island, suggesting that a boat landing 500 years ago does not constitute modern ownership and noting that the U.S. has also sent many boats there.

RMN News Political Desk
New Delhi | January 10, 2026

US President Donald Trump has reignited a diplomatic firestorm by declaring that the United States must secure ownership of Greenland to prevent it from falling under the influence of Moscow or Beijing. During a Friday meeting with oil and gas executives, Trump asserted that Washington would take action regarding the Arctic territory “whether they like it or not,” offering a choice between a deal made the “easy way” or “the hard way”.

The Strategic “Need” for Ownership

Trump’s renewed focus on the semi-autonomous Danish territory is driven by what he describes as a defensive necessity. He argued that a mere military presence is insufficient, stating that “you don’t defend leases the same way” as land you own. The President expressed alarm over the presence of Russian and Chinese destroyers and submarines in the waters surrounding Greenland, warning that if the U.S. does not act, these rival powers will occupy the land.

Trump also dismissed Denmark’s historical claim to the island, suggesting that a boat landing 500 years ago does not constitute modern ownership and noting that the U.S. has also sent many boats there. This push comes at a time when Greenland is increasingly valued for its vast natural resources, including iron, uranium, and rare earth minerals.

Denmark and NATO Issue Stark Warnings

The rhetoric has met with fierce resistance from Copenhagen. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected Trump’s security arguments as an “unacceptable pleasure” and emphasized that European borders must be respected. She issued a grave warning regarding the stability of the Western alliance, stating, “If the US attacks another Nato country, everything stops”. Furthermore, reports indicate that Danish troops in Greenland are under orders to “shoot first and ask questions later” should the territory face an attack.

A Pattern of Global Assertion

The President’s comments on Greenland follow recent U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, an action Trump cited as necessary to prevent China or Russia from establishing a foothold there. This aggressive foreign policy coincides with a significant retreat from international cooperation. Trump recently signed a memorandum directing the U.S. to withdraw from dozens of international organizations, including 31 UN entities and environmental bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

In a side critique of European energy policy during the same briefing, Trump reaffirmed his opposition to wind energy, labeling windmills “losers” that destroy landscapes and benefit China, which he claims manufactures them for “suckers” while relying itself on coal and oil.

To President Trump, national security is like owning a home versus renting a room. While a lease (a military base) allows you to stay there, he believes you won’t invest in the same heavy-duty security system or defend the perimeter with the same ferocity as you would for a property that is legally yours—especially if you believe the neighbors are looking for any excuse to break in.