Donald Trump is still pushing the idea that Greenland should become part of the United States, and he’s made it clear that he’s not going to give up easily. Even though Greenland is a self-governing territory that belongs to Denmark, and both the Danish and Greenlandic governments have firmly said “no,” Trump has continued to insist that the U.S. needs to secure it—whether by agreement or, if needed, by force.
Earlier this year, Trump said that controlling Greenland is critical for U.S. national security. He pointed to concerns about Chinese and Russian activity in the surrounding waters and argued that the U.S. can’t rely on Denmark to handle that. He also made the bold claim that Canada should become the 51st state, adding to the sense that he’s thinking very big when it comes to expanding U.S. territory.
Despite the firm refusals, Trump sent Republican Senator JD Vance on an unannounced visit to a U.S. military base in Greenland. This didn’t go over well. Greenland’s Acting Prime Minister Mute Egede publicly clarified that no official or private invitation had been given for any U.S. visit.
Behind the scenes, it appears there are serious preparations underway. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, when questioned during a congressional hearing, didn’t deny that the Pentagon has made contingency plans to invade Greenland if diplomacy fails. When asked directly if there were military plans to take Greenland by force, he gave a vague answer, saying it’s the Pentagon’s job to prepare for any scenario. He avoided confirming or denying details, especially when asked whether encrypted apps like Signal were being used to plan anything in secret.
Representative Mike Turner pressed him, clearly worried, and said, “I sure as hell hope that is not your testimony.” Still, the message was clear—military options are being discussed, even if no one will say it outright.
Meanwhile, Greenland’s leadership continues to insist they aren’t for sale and won’t be pressured. Their representative in Washington, Jacob Isbosethsen, publicly stated, “Greenland is not for sale,” echoing the stance both Greenland and Denmark have held since Trump first floated the idea.
Still, Trump says his intentions are good. He claims it’s all about protecting Greenland and helping it thrive. He told Congress that the U.S. supports Greenland’s right to choose its future and that, if they ever agree, the U.S. would welcome them. He then added, “One way or another, we’re going to get it,” promising wealth, safety, and opportunity if Greenland joins the U.S.
Despite all the talk about support and partnership, the idea that the U.S. might forcibly take Greenland has left a lot of people uneasy. It’s a situation that continues to raise eyebrows around the world.
