Trump says he believes US will 'get Greenland'

President Donald Trump recently expressed confidence that the United States will eventually gain control of Greenland, following renewed interest in acquiring the Danish territory.

"I think we're going to have it," he stated to reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday, adding that the island's 57,000 residents "want to be with us."

This remark follows a heated phone call last week in which Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected the idea of Greenland being for sale.

Trump had previously proposed purchasing Greenland during his first term in 2019, citing US control of the Arctic territory as an "absolute necessity" for international security.

When asked about Greenland during a press briefing aboard Air Force One, Trump remarked, "I think the people want to be with us." He continued, "I don't really know what claim Denmark has to it, but it would be very unfriendly if they didn't allow this to happen, because it's for the protection of the free world." He added, "I think Greenland will be ours because it’s about the freedom of the world."

Trump also stated that the issue wasn't about the U.S. directly, but rather the country's ability to secure freedom, something he claimed Denmark couldn't provide. However, despite Trump's confidence, both Greenland’s and Denmark’s leaders have firmly rejected the idea of selling the island.

Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute Egede, emphasized that decisions regarding the land were "Greenland's business," while expressing openness to collaborating with the U.S. on defense and mining matters. Similarly, Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen reiterated earlier statements that "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders" and that only its people could determine its future.

In a tense 45-minute phone conversation with Trump, Frederiksen reaffirmed her position, calling the prospect of selling Greenland "horrendous." An anonymous European official described the exchange as "horrendous," adding that Trump’s interest in purchasing the island was "serious, and potentially very dangerous." Despite this, Frederiksen acknowledged the U.S.’s significant interest in Greenland, 

Greenland's strategic position between North America and Europe makes it highly valuable, particularly for the US, which operates a large space facility on the island. The growing interest in Greenland's natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron, has further heightened its importance.

While Greenland enjoys considerable autonomy, it remains part of Denmark, and there is widespread sentiment that it will eventually gain full independence, potentially reshaping its relationship with the US.

President Trump's statement that the people of Greenland "want to be with us" may surprise some island residents. A local fishing boat captain from Kapisillit told the BBC that Trump was "welcome to visit," but emphasized that "Greenland belongs to Greenlanders." Kaaleeraq Ringsted, a church elder, condemned Trump's remarks as "unacceptable," asserting, "Greenland is not for sale."

Trump has indicated that military or economic pressure could be options for pursuing his interest in Greenland, though when questioned about these methods in January, he declined to rule them out. His comments have sparked strong reactions in Denmark, leading to urgent high-level discussions in Copenhagen.