President Donald Trump has stirred up fresh controversy by suggesting he could impose new tariffs on any countries that refuse to support his push to bring Greenland under U.S. control. He made the comment during a White House roundtable on rural healthcare, saying something along the lines of: “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security.”
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a self-governing territory under Denmark, but Trump has been vocal about why the U.S. should own it outright. He argues it’s crucial for American defense. Thanks to its strategic spot in the Arctic, between North America and potential threats from Russia or China. The location is perfect for early-warning missile systems and keeping an eye on ships in the region.
Here are some striking views of Greenland’s snowy capital, Nuuk, where colorful houses stand out against the winter landscape:
The U.S. already has a long-standing military presence there, with over 100 personnel at Pituffik Space Base (formerly known as Thule Air Base), a key missile-monitoring station operating since World War II.
Trump has talked about getting Greenland “the easy way” (like buying it) or “the hard way,” and he hasn’t ruled out stronger measures. Denmark has pushed back hard, warning that any military move would destroy NATO since the alliance is built on allies defending each other, not one attacking another.
European countries like France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and others have responded by sending small military teams to Greenland for reconnaissance and to show support. Most people in Greenland itself strongly oppose the idea of being bought or taken over.
Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers including Democrats and some moderate Republicans is visiting Denmark and Greenland right now. They’re meeting local leaders to listen to their concerns and try to “lower the temperature” back in Washington. Some lawmakers are even working on bills to block any U.S. annexation attempt.
The situation remains tense, with high-level talks between U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials failing to bridge the gap so far. Trump’s special envoy has suggested the U.S. should negotiate directly with Greenland’s leaders rather than Denmark, insisting a deal will happen because the U.S. offers “liberty, economic strength, and protection.”
It’s a high-stakes standoff that’s putting strain on longtime alliances, all over this remote, resource-rich island.