President Donald Trump suggested he could use trade tariffs as economic pressure to advance U.S. efforts to bring Greenland under American control, escalating his rhetoric around the Arctic territory’s strategic importance. He framed the idea as a national security matter tied to growing global competition in the region.
The remarks come as Denmark and Greenland continue to reject any change in the island’s status, reiterating that Greenland’s future cannot be decided by outside powers. European allies have also voiced support for Denmark’s sovereignty, underscoring opposition to any unilateral action.
Trump’s comments mark a sharper tone after earlier statements that pointed to economic tools as a possible means of influence. While he did not specify which countries could be targeted or how tariffs would be implemented, the suggestion signaled a willingness to apply trade pressure in pursuit of geopolitical goals.
Danish and Greenlandic leaders have remained firm that decisions about Greenland must be made by its own government and people, maintaining that the territory is not for sale and will not be annexed.