Former US President Donald Trump has revived discussions about the potential annexation of Greenland, stating, “I think it will happen.” Speaking at the White House alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump highlighted the Arctic island’s significance in global security.
“You know, Mark, we need that for international security,” Trump said, referencing growing concerns over Chinese and Russian activities in the Arctic. He further hinted that Rutte could play a key role in advancing the idea.
NATO Chief Distances Alliance from Greenland Debate
Mark Rutte, while acknowledging security concerns in the Arctic, refused to link NATO to any potential US acquisition of Greenland.
“I don’t want to drag NATO into that,” Rutte stated. However, he agreed with Trump’s concerns over Russian and Chinese activities in the region, mentioning increased military presence and the need for better icebreaker ships.
Greenland’s Political Stance
Trump’s remarks follow Greenland’s recent elections, where the majority of the island’s 57,000 residents and its political parties expressed support for independence. However, there is internal debate over how quickly the process should move forward.
Growing Arctic Geopolitical Tensions
Greenland, a resource-rich territory under Danish sovereignty, has gained significant geopolitical attention. China’s increasing use of Arctic shipping routes and Russia’s military expansion in the region have raised security concerns among Western nations.
Trump had previously hinted at not ruling out the use of force to “get Greenland,” which had drawn international criticism. While the US has military interests in Greenland, Denmark has strongly rejected any discussions of selling the territory.
