Trending 
US President Donald Trump has said the United States needs to “own” Greenland to stop Russia and China from gaining influence over the territory.
Speaking to reporters on Friday in response to a BBC question, Trump argued that ownership was essential for defence, insisting that countries do not defend leases but defend what they own.
He stated that the US would have to defend Greenland and warned that this could be done “the easy way” or “the hard way.”
The White House has previously said the administration is considering purchasing Greenland from Denmark, a fellow NATO member, and has not ruled out annexation by force.
Denmark and Greenland have both rejected the idea, stressing that the territory is not for sale.
Danish officials have warned that any military action would effectively end the transatlantic defence alliance.
In a joint statement on Friday night, Greenland’s political leaders, including opposition parties, criticised what they described as the US’s disregard for the territory.
They said Greenlanders do not wish to be Americans or Danes, insisting that the future of Greenland must be decided by its people.
Although sparsely populated, Greenland’s strategic position between North America and the Arctic makes it crucial for early missile warning systems and maritime surveillance.
Trump has repeatedly described the territory as vital to US national security, alleging without evidence that Russian and Chinese ships operate extensively in the area.
The United States already maintains more than 100 military personnel at its Pituffik base in northwest Greenland, a facility it has operated since the Second World War.
Existing agreements with Denmark allow the US to deploy additional troops if required.
However, Trump said lease arrangements were inadequate, arguing that countries need ownership rather than time-limited agreements.
While saying he respected the people of China and Russia, he insisted he did not want them as neighbours in Greenland and hinted that NATO must recognise this position.
Denmark’s NATO allies, including major European states and Canada, have voiced support for Copenhagen, reaffirming that only Denmark and Greenland can decide their relationship.
While stressing the importance of Arctic security, they said it must be pursued collectively by allies and in line with the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Renewed concern over Greenland followed Trump’s recent use of military force in Venezuela to seize President Nicolás Maduro.
Trump had previously offered to buy Greenland in 2019 during his first term, an offer that was firmly rejected.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to hold talks with Denmark next week.
Interest in Greenland has also grown due to its natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium and iron, which are becoming more accessible as ice melts.
Scientists believe the territory may also hold substantial oil and gas reserves.
