Trump says he’s serious about annexing Greenland, and allies are getting nervous

President Donald Trump is doubling down on his interest in Greenland, insisting he is “very serious” about annexing the Danish territory. The comments have drawn concern among U.S. allies in Europe as questions grow about how far the president is willing to go.

UNILAD reported that Trump has repeatedly emphasized Greenland’s importance in the days following the arrest and detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He has framed the control of the island as a national security issue.

Trump first raised the idea of acquiring Greenland in March, saying, “One way or the other, we’re going to get Greenland.” At the time, many dismissed the remark. Since Maduro’s capture, however, Trump has returned to the subject repeatedly, suggesting it fits into a broader view of U.S. power.

This stopped sounding hypothetical very quickly

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the United States “needs Greenland for national security,” adding that the need extends to Europe and what he called “other parts of the free world.” He later told another outlet that the U.S. “absolutely” needs Greenland, regardless of whether the island’s population supports such a move. The comments followed other recent statements in which Trump suggested the U.S. could expand its footprint after events in Venezuela.

Trump has pointed to Greenland’s strategic location between North America and Europe, describing it as critical for U.S. ballistic missile defense systems. He has also cited the island’s mineral resources, which could reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese exports.

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and both Denmark and the United States are NATO allies. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded by saying it “makes absolutely no sense” to suggest the U.S. needs to take over Greenland. She warned that any military action against Greenland would amount to an attack on NATO and could undermine the post–Second World War security framework.

Greenland’s own leadership has rejected Trump’s remarks. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the idea of annexation was unacceptable and urged Trump to abandon what he described as “fantasies.” He added that threats and pressure have no place between allies.

Greenland is not the only country facing sharp rhetoric. Since Maduro’s detention, Trump has also criticized leaders in Colombia, Mexico, and Cuba, raising concerns about multiple potential flashpoints. Similar warnings surfaced after Trump told that U.S. has taken Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as hostage, prompting sharp responses abroad, including from Beijing.

European leaders continue to monitor the situation as Trump repeats his claims about Greenland’s importance, with uncertainty over whether the comments reflect a negotiating posture or a willingness to act.