Trump stated that the US should "own" Greenland to prevent its takeover by Russia and China.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed the opinion that the United States should "take control" of Greenland to prevent possible actions by Russia and China in that direction.

In response to a question from BBC journalists on Friday, Trump noted: "Countries must have territories, and these lands need to be defended, not just rented. We are obligated to protect Greenland."

He also added: "We can do this the 'easy way' or the 'hard way'." Recently, the White House administration confirmed that the possibility of purchasing this semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, which is also a NATO member, is being considered, although the scenario of annexation is not ruled out.

However, Denmark and Greenland have clearly stated that they do not intend to sell the territory. In an official statement, Denmark emphasized that military actions against it would undermine transatlantic defense ties.

Despite Greenland being sparsely populated, its strategic location between North America and the Arctic makes it important for early warning systems and monitoring vessels in the region.

Trump has repeatedly emphasized that Greenland plays a key role in U.S. national security, claiming that it is "cluttered with Russian and Chinese ships."

At the Pituffik base in the northwest of Greenland, there are currently more than 100 American military personnel — this facility has been under U.S. control since World War II.

According to existing agreements with Denmark, the U.S. can deploy its military forces in Greenland at its discretion.

Nevertheless, Trump, speaking to the press in Washington, stated that renting is insufficient. "You can't make nine-year or even hundred-year agreements," he added, emphasizing the need for ownership rights.

“I respect the people of China and the people of Russia,” he said. “But I don’t want them to be our neighbors in Greenland; that will not happen.”

Trump also noted that NATO should understand this position.

NATO allies of Denmark, including major European countries and Canada, expressed support for Denmark this week, confirming that "only Denmark and Greenland can make decisions regarding their relationships."

They emphasized that, like the U.S., they are interested in security in the Arctic, and this should be achieved through "collective efforts" of allies.

Additionally, they called for "adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders."

The escalation of the situation has become relevant again after Trump used military force against Venezuela to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro.

In 2019, during his first term, Trump had already suggested the idea of purchasing Greenland, but he was told at that time that the island was not for sale.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to hold talks with Denmark next week.

Interest in Greenland's natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron, has significantly increased in recent years, especially considering the melting ice due to climate change, which facilitates access to these resources. Scientists suggest that significant reserves of oil and gas may be located in the region.

Leaders of Greenland's parties, including the opposition, in a joint statement on Friday again called for an end to the "disregard of the U.S. towards our country." They emphasized: "We do not want to be Americans or Danes; we want to be Greenlanders. The future of Greenland should be decided by Greenlanders."