Trump says US needs Greenland for its “national security”

(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated his long-standing interest in Greenland, citing the island’s strategic location and mineral resources as critical for American national security. His remarks follow the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the US special envoy to Greenland.

“We need Greenland for national security,” Trump told reporters. “You look up and down the coast, you have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need it for national security. We have to have it.” He described Landry as a “deal-maker-type guy” and praised him for understanding Greenland’s strategic importance. Landry later confirmed on X that his volunteer envoy role would not interfere with his duties as governor and expressed commitment to “make Greenland a part of the US.”

Denmark, which maintains sovereignty over Greenland, immediately protested the appointment. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called it “completely unacceptable” and summoned the US ambassador to Copenhagen. Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory with around 57,000 residents, manages most domestic affairs, while Copenhagen oversees defense and foreign policy.

The US has maintained a military presence on Greenland since World War II. Vice President J.D. Vance visited a US Space Force base on the island’s northwest coast in March, emphasizing that Washington is unlikely to use force but supports Greenlanders’ self-determination and potential independence from Denmark.

MENAFN23122025000045017281ID1110517458