2:36President Donald Trump disembarks Air Force One, following his arrival at Palm Beach International Airport, in West Palm Beach, Fla. January 16, 2026. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Recently, President Donald Trump has intensified his efforts to acquire Greenland, the Arctic island and semi-autonomous region of NATO ally Denmark, citing the needs of U.S. national security, and has not excluded the option of using military force despite strong opposition from the Greenlanders and the Danish government.
On Saturday, in reaction to European allies standing up for Greenland and enhancing their military presence there, Trump threatened to impose 10% tariffs on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland — all U.S. allies — starting on February 1, escalating to 25% by June 1 if an agreement is not reached, to remain in place until the U.S. secures control of Greenland.
President Donald Trump addresses the media prior to boarding Marine One as he departs from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, January 16, 2026.Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
Crucial for U.S. national security, Trump asserts
Greenland possesses strategic importance. Along with its precious minerals and vast oil and gas reserves, it hosts the U.S. Pituffik Space Base, the Defense Department’s northernmost installation, where approximately 150 American troops are stationed, acting as a primary defense against potential missile threats from the Arctic.
The president, who believes it is essential to his “Golden Dome” anti-missile initiative, has claimed that the current U.S. military presence is inadequate to defend Greenland if Russia or China attempts to seize it. He contends that neither Greenland nor the Europeans can ensure its protection — only the U.S. can prevent Russian or Chinese invasion.
"The United States requires Greenland for National Security purposes," Trump posted on social media on Friday. "It is critical for the Golden Dome we are constructing. NATO should be spearheading efforts for us to obtain it. IF WE FAIL TO ACT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT CANNOT BE ALLOWED!"
When asked about the Kremlin’s perspective on Trump’s declaration to neutralize the Russian threat to Greenland, given Denmark’s inaction, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov remarked, "There are international experts who assert that if Trump resolves the issue of Greenland’s accession, he will certainly enter the annals of history. Not just in U.S. history, but in global history as well."
"Without delving into whether this is good or bad, it is hard to dispute these experts’ views,” he added.
Beijing asserted that Trump should refrain from using China as a "pretext."
"China’s endeavors in the Arctic are focused on fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and adhere to international law," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated last week. "The rights and freedoms of all nations to engage in activities in the Arctic in accordance with the law should be fully honored. The U.S. should not pursue its own interests by using other countries as a pretext."
The Danish military offshore patrol vessel P572 HDMS Lauge Koch navigates near Nuuk’s old harbor, Greenland, January 15, 2026.Marko Djurica/Reuters
Vice President JD Vance, who, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, met with Danish and Greenland representatives in Washington last week, cautioned Europe regarding Trump’s ambitions.
"What we are urging our European allies to do is to take the security of that landmass more seriously, because if they do not, the United States will have to intervene,” Vance remarked earlier this month.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com