One way or the other”: Trump’s Greenland remarks send shockwaves across

Trump Revives A Controversial Arctic Obsession

Donald Trump has once again dragged Greenland into the centre of global politics, declaring that the United States will take control of the vast Arctic territory “one way or the other”. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, the US president framed the issue as a matter of national security, warning that Russia or China would move in if Washington failed to act.

It is not the first time Trump has floated the idea. His interest in Greenland dates back years, but the blunt language this time has raised fresh alarm in Europe and beyond.

According to Trump, Greenland’s mineral wealth and strategic position between North America and the Arctic make it too important to ignore, especially amid growing Russian and Chinese military activity in the region.

Why Greenland Matters To Washington

Greenland may seem remote, but its location gives it outsized importance. The island sits along key Arctic routes and has long hosted a US military base dating back to World War II. As climate change opens new shipping lanes and access to natural resources, global powers are paying closer attention to the Arctic than ever before.

Trump argued that allowing rivals to gain influence there would be unacceptable, even though neither Russia nor China has formally laid claim to the territory. In his words, failing to act would mean letting others “take over”.

Denmark And Europe Push Back

The response from Denmark and European allies has been swift and uneasy. Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Danish kingdom, and Copenhagen has made it clear that any attempt to seize it by force would shatter decades of transatlantic trust.

Denmark’s prime minister warned that such a move would destroy 80 years of security cooperation between allies, a remark Trump brushed aside. He insisted Greenland needs the United States more than the other way around, even suggesting that NATO considerations would not deter him.

That dismissal has only deepened concerns among European leaders already uneasy about strained alliance politics.

Greenlanders Say Their Future Is Not For Sale

Lost in much of the geopolitical chest-thumping is the view from Greenland itself. The island was a Danish colony until 1953, gained home rule decades later, and continues to debate its long-term relationship with Denmark.

Across its political spectrum, Greenland’s leaders and citizens have consistently said they do not want to fall under US control. They argue that any decision about their future must be made by Greenlanders, not foreign capitals.

Trump openly challenged that position, warning that Greenland should “make the deal” to avoid being overshadowed by global powers. He even mocked the island’s defences, a comment that many critics saw as dismissive and inflammatory.

Online Reaction Reflects Growing Unease

Public reaction has been intense. On social media, critics described the remarks as reckless, colonial and destabilising, while supporters framed them as tough talk aimed at protecting US interests. Analysts and commentators questioned whether the comments were serious policy signals or political posturing, but agreed they risk escalating diplomatic tensions.

In Denmark and Greenland, online discussions reflected frustration and disbelief, with many users stressing sovereignty and self-determination.

A Familiar Pattern With Higher Stakes

Trump’s Greenland comments fit a broader pattern of provocative foreign policy statements that blur the line between negotiation and confrontation. What makes this moment different is the timing. With Arctic competition heating up and alliances already under strain, even rhetorical threats carry real consequences.

Whether the remarks translate into action remains unclear. What is certain is that Greenland, once seen as a quiet corner of the world, has again become a flashpoint in a rapidly changing global order.

{Source:EWN}

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