In a social media post early on Wednesday, Trump said the United States โneeds Greenlandโ to build and operate the Golden Dome air and missile defense network, which he described as critical to protecting American soil.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday sharply renewed his push for American control of Greenland, calling the Arctic island โvitalโ for national security and a key part of a proposed Golden Dome missile defense system.ย His remarks have heightened tensions with Denmark and Greenland ahead of scheduled high-level talks in Washington.ย
โEssential for national securityโ
In a social media post early on Wednesday, Trump said the United States โneeds Greenlandโ to build and operate the Golden Dome air and missile defense network, which he described as critical to protecting American soil.ย He added that NATO would be โfar more formidable and effectiveโ if Greenland were under U.S. control insisting that โanything less than that is unacceptable.โย
Trump also claimed NATO โshould be leading the wayโ in developing layered missile defenses, warning that if the US does not take the lead, rival powers such as Russia or China might.ย
Diplomats meet amid rising tensionsย
Trumpโs statements came as the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland prepared to meet US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the White House.ย These talks are meant to address the growing dispute over Trumpโs demand for control of the strategically located territory.ย
Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea of ceding sovereignty, emphasising that Greenlandโs future should be decided by its people and within international law.ย The push for US control has drawn criticism not only from Danish and Greenlandic leaders but also from European allies.