U.S. Will Act on Greenland ‘Whether They Like It or Not’

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters after a roundtable discussion with top oil executives and several Cabinet members in the East Room, said the United States would take action on Greenland.

During the press question-and-answer portion of the event, Trump declared:

Right now, we’re going to do something to Greenland whether they like it or not, because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we won’t have Russia or China as neighbors. I’d like to make a deal the easy way, but if we don’t do it the easy way, we’ll do it the hard way.

Comments follow as France, Germany and Poland coordinate with other European countries to respond to the Trump administration’s push to acquire Greenland. Earlier this week, the leaders of Canada and several NATO allies, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland and the United Kingdom, signed a joint declaration affirming that decisions regarding the future of Greenland should be made solely by Denmark and the people of Greenland.

President Trump’s new push also comes just weeks after he appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland. Trump said Landry “understands how critical Greenland is to our national security” and will help advance “the safety, security and survival of our allies.” Earlier in 2025, Vice President JD Vance visited the island, where he relayed a message of support from the president, emphasizing the administration’s long-term goal of placing Greenland under U.S. jurisdiction.

According to Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, the administration’s view that Greenland should be part of the United States has been consistent since Trump’s first term. Speaking Earlier this week, Miller said, “No one will fight the United States militarily for the future of Greenland,” and questioned Denmark’s right to control the island, asking, “What is the basis for their territorial claim?” What is the basis for Greenland being a colony of Denmark?

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any annexation of Greenland by force would dismantle NATO and shatter transatlantic security. Meanwhile, Canada has taken symbolic steps to strengthen Denmark’s position, with Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Governor General Mary Simon announcing plans to open a consulate in Nuuk. Prime Minister Mark Carney also joined EU leaders in a statement emphasizing that decisions regarding Greenland belong solely to Denmark and its citizens.