The president-elect is a man of his word. That terrifies the Left.
And now Trump doubled down on a threat that left Democrats pale as ghosts.
President-elect Donald Trump reignited his controversial interest in acquiring Greenland during a press conference Thursday night at Mar-a-Lago, citing its critical importance for U.S. national security. The remarks come as Trump doubles down on a topic that had previously sparked diplomatic tensions with Denmark.
“We need Greenland very badly,” Trump told reporters. He explained that the island’s strategic location makes it essential for countering Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.
“You look at the Russian ships, the Chinese ships, they’re all over the place. They’re surrounding. Now they have for a long time, that’s a lane, but we need that for national security.”
When asked how much the United States might offer Denmark for the vast, resource-rich territory, Trump was evasive, hinting that the deal might not involve a monetary transaction.
“Well, maybe no price tag,” he said. “Look, we’re gonna have to see what happens, because Denmark, we need this for national security.”
Trump then questioned Denmark’s authority over Greenland, suggesting the island’s status might need to be reevaluated. “So I don’t know that Denmark has any right, title, and interest, and we’re going to find that out,” he said.
Acknowledging that Denmark would likely resist any transfer of control, Trump hinted at imposing economic consequences if they refused to cooperate.
“Now Denmark maybe doesn’t like it, but then we can’t be too happy with Denmark,” he said. “And maybe things have to happen with respect to Denmark having to do with tariffs.”
Trump framed the potential acquisition as a global necessity, stressing its importance beyond just U.S. interests. “We need that to protect the free world, it’s very important, and getting more important every year,” he added, linking the move to broader geopolitical security concerns.
Earlier in the week, Trump faced questions about whether he would rule out using military or economic coercion to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal. His response left the door wide open. “No,” Trump said bluntly.
“I can’t assure you, you’re talking about Panama and Greenland. No, I can’t assure you on either of those two, but I can say this, we need them for economic security. The Panama Canal was built for our military.”
When pressed further on whether he would commit to avoiding military action, Trump remained firm. “I’m not going to commit to that,” he said. “No, it might be that you’ll have to do something.”
The potential for U.S. acquisition of Greenland has sparked debate in the past, with Denmark rejecting the notion outright when Trump raised it during his first term. At that time, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed the idea as “absurd,” prompting Trump to cancel a planned state visit to Copenhagen.
Trump’s comments this time suggest he views Greenland as more than just a strategic asset, seeing it as a critical component of U.S. and allied security in the face of increasing Arctic competition.
He also tied the idea to broader national economic interests, drawing a parallel with the Panama Canal, which he noted was originally designed with U.S. military needs in mind.
While Trump’s rhetoric on Greenland may resonate with some supporters, it is likely to spark renewed tensions with Denmark and other Arctic nations. The suggestion of tariffs and potential military action raises serious questions about how far Trump might go to secure the territory, setting the stage for possible diplomatic confrontations early in his second term.
As the inauguration approaches, Trump’s Greenland remarks signal that his administration’s approach to international relations will remain as unconventional and polarizing as ever. Whether his ambitions for Greenland materialize remains uncertain, but the issue is poised to remain a flashpoint in U.S.-European relations.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
