President Donald Trump has warned that “the world is not secure unless we have complete and total control of Greenland,” tying an intensified U.S. drive to acquire the Arctic island to his frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and threatening tariffs on European allies that oppose the move.
In a text message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump complained that Norway “decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 wars PLUS” and said he no longer feels bound to think “purely of Peace,” while insisting that U.S. control of Greenland is essential for national security.
Trump argued that Denmark “cannot protect that land from Russia or China,” questioned Copenhagen’s “right of ownership” over Greenland, and declared that “the world is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.”
He has threatened new tariffs starting at 10% and rising to 25% on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands and Finland beginning February 1, saying they will remain in place “until a deal is finalized for the complete and total acquisition of Greenland” by the United States.
Strategic and political context
Trump and his advisers say Greenland’s position between North America and Europe is vital for U.S. missile defense, Arctic surveillance and his proposed “Golden Dome” anti‑missile shield, warning that Russia or China could gain a foothold there if Washington does not act.
Greenland’s government and Denmark have repeatedly rejected any transfer of sovereignty, insisting the island is not for sale, while European leaders and NATO partners have backed Danish control and warned that coercive moves or use of force over Greenland would damage the transatlantic alliance.