US President Donald Trump has once again said that Greenland should be controlled by the United States instead of Denmark.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while meeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as NATO leaders gathered for a summit in Türkiye.
Trump’s comments have revived a debate that previously strained relations between Washington and Copenhagen. Although the issue later shifted toward diplomatic discussions, the US president again emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance.
Trump repeats call for US control of Greenland
Speaking to reporters during the meeting, Trump said the United States should control Greenland rather than Denmark.
He stated:
“That should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark.”
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Trump has repeatedly argued that the island holds significant strategic value for the United States.
Trump links Greenland issue to NATO relations
During his remarks, Trump said the disagreement over Greenland had affected his relationship with NATO.
He said:
“That’s what hurt my relationship with NATO, because Greenland doesn’t help Denmark. Denmark doesn’t spend money to really help Greenland, but it’s an important part for the United States, and it’s surrounded by Chinese ships and Russian ships, and that’s not going to happen.”
He continued:
“They wouldn’t go along with it, and with all the money we spend to help them with Russia.”
His comments highlighted concerns he has previously raised about security and the strategic location of Greenland.
Previous remarks sparked diplomatic tensions
Trump’s repeated calls for US control of Greenland have previously created tensions between the United States and Denmark.
Both countries are founding members of NATO.
The issue also drew wider attention across Europe after Trump publicly argued that the United States should acquire or control the Arctic territory.
Since then, discussions over Greenland have continued through diplomatic channels.
US says discussions continue
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in June that discussions involving the United States, Denmark, and Greenland were continuing.
According to Rubio, representatives from the three sides have been holding conversations every month.
Those discussions indicate that diplomatic engagement on the issue remains ongoing, even as Trump continues to publicly advocate for US control of Greenland.
