Trump Renews Call To Control Greenland Ahead Of Meeting With Denmark And Arctic Island Diplomats

President Donald Trump on Wednesday cast the acquisition of Greenland as key to the Golden Dome missile defense project, writing on his social media platform that “the United States needs Greenland for the purpose of national security” and enlisting NATO for help in acquiring the self-governing region from Denmark.

“It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON'T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.”

While the U.S. could stage missile interceptors in Greenland to defend against potential threats from Russia, the American military already has advanced defense systems in other countries. Working with Denmark, and not just taking Greenland, could also be effective.

The president’s statement comes with officials from Greenland and Denmark planning a White House visit with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday.

Trump has ramped up his rhetoric around Greenland, a fixation since his first term, in recent weeks, notably refusing to rule out using military force to take the island. A military operation in Venezuela — in which American forces captured Nicolás Maduro and brought him to the United States to stand charges of narco-trafficking — has made the specter of U.S. intervention even more real. The president’s top surrogates say it’s a sign to take his threats seriously.

Meanwhile, European governments are looking to woo Trump with deals involving mineral extraction and enhanced Arctic security in the hopes of giving the president a concession that could ease his desire for full control of the territory.

But the president on Wednesday said that American ownership of the island is the best way to strengthen NATO, even though Denmark is also a founding member of the alliance.

“NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES,” he wrote. “Anything less than that is unacceptable.”

And Trump appeared to hinge continued U.S. membership in the alliance on Greenland.

“Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent,” he wrote. “Not even close! They know that, and so do I.”

Audrey Decker contributed to this report.