Trump stated that Denmark's historical presence does not mean its rights to Greenland.

During a meeting with representatives of major oil companies at the White House, Trump expressed the opinion that the historical presence of the Danes does not make Greenland their property. This statement was made on Friday, as reported by Fox News.

“I really love Denmark, it has been good to me, and I respect it. But the fact that the Danes landed there 500 years ago does not give them the right to this land. I’m sure our ships have also entered these waters,” Trump noted while commenting on the status of Greenland.

He added that for the national security of the United States, it is necessary to own Greenland, not just lease it. “When we own territory, we can defend it. But leasing is not protection. It is necessary to have ownership, not to lease... Countries protect what belongs to them, not what they lease. We must protect Greenland,” the president emphasized.

Trump also noted that he would not allow Russia or China to control Greenland. "We plan to take steps regarding Greenland, regardless of their wishes, because if we don’t, Russia or China will occupy this island, and we don’t want to be neighbors with them," he said.

Previously, Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland should become part of the United States, emphasizing its strategic importance for national security and the protection of the "free world."

The former Prime Minister of Greenland, Mute Egede, for his part, stated that the island is not for sale and will never be sold. Trump has also previously not ruled out the possibility of using force to establish control over Greenland.

Until 1953, Greenland was under colonial rule by Denmark. Currently, the island is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but since 2009 it has had extensive autonomy and the right to self-government, including the determination of internal policy.