US President Donald Trump on Friday reignited his controversial campaign to acquire Greenland, calling the Arctic territory essential for international security in light of increased Russian and Chinese activity in the region. "We need Greenland ... for international security. We have to have Greenland," Trump said during an Oval Office ceremony for newly appointed New Jersey US Attorney Alina Habba. Framing the acquisition as a matter of global urgency, Trump claimed that owning Greenland would serve not only American interests but also "world peace" and "international security." He cited the growing presence of Russian and Chinese naval vessels navigating Arctic waters opened by melting ice, warning that these routes are becoming strategic corridors. "Right now ... you have warships all over the place going through right along Greenland. We're not going to let that happen. We cannot let that happen," Trump emphasized. "Or if it's going to happen, we have to be protective — not only of our country but of the world." The president dismissed the idea of relying on allies for Arctic security, saying, "We're not relying on Denmark or anybody else to take care of that situation." Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, reviving an idea he first floated in 2019. The autonomous Danish territory, which hosts key US military installations, has consistently rejected such overtures. Trump's renewed push came as Vice President JD Vance visited the US Space Force base at Pituffik, located on Greenland's northwest coast. What was originally billed as a cultural trip—led by second lady Usha Vance to attend traditional dogsled races—was restructured into a security-focused visit following backlash from Greenlandic, Danish, and EU officials. Despite firm opposition from Denmark and Greenland, Trump has continued to press the issue, insisting it is no longer a question of feasibility but of necessity. "It's not a question of 'do you think we can do without it,'" he said. "We can't." — Agencies
