In a recent address, President Donald Trump reiterated his administration’s interest in the acquisition of Greenland, characterizing the territory as a vital asset for U.S. national security. The president’s remarks, delivered during a press briefing on January 4, 2026, suggest a revival of a diplomatic objective first proposed during his previous term.
“We need Greenland for national security,” the president stated, citing the island’s strategic location in the Arctic and its potential for housing advanced monitoring systems. He emphasized that the geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly since 2019, pointing to increased maritime activity in the Arctic Circle by global competitors as a primary reason for renewed focus on the region.
While the proposal remains in a preliminary conceptual stage, the president suggested that the U.S. could explore a variety of arrangements, ranging from an outright purchase to long-term strategic leases or expanded military partnerships beyond the existing Thule Air Base (Pituffik Space Base). He argued that such a move would protect the “northern flank” of the Western Hemisphere and secure access to critical mineral resources.
The Danish government and Greenlandic officials have maintained a consistent stance since the proposal was first floated years ago, previously stating that Greenland is “not for sale.” However, the White House indicated that it intends to initiate new rounds of discussions with Copenhagen, framing the potential deal as a way to alleviate the financial administrative burden on Denmark while enhancing regional defense.
