Agency Report | Curated by Newsworth
January 11, 2026
WASHINGTON — In a bold and controversial statement on Friday, the U.S. President Donald Trump declared, the United States will acquire Greenland, “whether they like it or not,” warning that failure to act would allow Russia or China to seize the strategically vital Arctic territory.
Speaking at the White House alongside oil executives, Trump framed Greenland’s ownership as a core national security issue.
“We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not. If we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we are not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour.”
He dismissed the existing 1951 treaty granting the U.S. military access as inadequate, insisting. “You defend ownership. You don’t defend leases.”
The White House is exploring multiple paths to secure Greenland, including outright purchase, lump-sum payments to Greenlanders to encourage secession from Denmark, and controversially, military intervention.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed a buyout remains the lead proposal, while Trump hinted at coercion. “I would like to make a deal the easy way, but if we don’t do it the easy way we’re going to do it the hard way.”
Greenland population is ~57,000 and is an autonomous territory of Denmark. European allies swiftly condemned Trump’s remarks.
Denmark, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Britain have issued a joint statement affirming that only Greenland and Denmark can decide their future.
In a defiant response, Greenland’s leaders declared. “We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders.” Polls show ~85% oppose joining the U.S., and parliament is rushing to debate the crisis.
They demanded an end to U.S. “disregard” for Greenland’s sovereignty.
Foreign policy experts warn that forcing Greenland’s acquisition could fracture NATO and yield no additional security benefits beyond current agreements.
Russia has not issued an official comment yet, but analysts say Moscow sees the U.S. Greenland standoff as a chance to weaken NATO and expand its own Arctic influence.
Trump remains resolute. He told the New York Times.
“Ownership gives you things and elements that you can’t get from just signing a document.” In this vein, Rubio is scheduled to meet Danish officials next week to negotiate the matter.
Putin has publicly called Trump’s bid “serious,” hinting Russia might respond militarily if conflict erupts near its Arctic flank. A Russian envoy even warned of “appropriate military and technical measures” if Greenland faces aggression.
China accused Washington of using the “China threat” as an excuse to grab Greenland for itself, calling the U.S. moves aggressive and destabilising. Beijing continues quietly, boosting its Arctic presence via joint exercises with Russia.
Some senior U.S. officials warn that forcing annexation would violate international law and isolate America.
Military sources call the idea “absurd and illegal,” while Trump insists ownership is needed to “defend” against Russia/China, even hinting at JSOC involvement.
