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Trump says US going to have Greenland ‘one way or the other;’ brushes off NATO
Jan 11, 2026
Donald Trump said on Sunday evening that Washington was going to acquire Greenland despite concerns over such a move compromising the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said “if we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will. And I’m not letting that happen… one way or another, we’re going to have Greenland.”
Trump insisted that Greenland should approach Washington with a proposed deal for a takeover.
When questioned over Greenland and NATO’s opposition to such a move, and as to whether it could compromise NATO, Trump claimed that the treaty would not exist if he weren’t the president.
“If it affects NATO, then it affects NATO. But, you know, they need us much more than we need them. I will tell you that right now,” Trump said.
Trump increased his calls for a U.S. takeover of Greenland in recent weeks, claiming that the U.S. needed the island to strengthen its security against Russia and China.
Fears that such a move may materialize grew especially after a U.S. incursion into Venezuela resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The U.S. already has a military presence in Greenland, although Trump has called for a greater presence in the region. The island has a population of nearly 60,000 people, and is a self-governing territory in the Kingdom of Denmark.
Reports last week said Trump and White House officials were considering several measures to control the island, including potential military action and lump sum payments to Greenlanders to convince them to secede from Denmark.
Danish and European leaders have largely rejected Trump’s demands.