Former U.S. President Donald Trump has recently (January 2026) revived his controversial ambition for the United States to acquire Greenland, reiterating his assertion that the island is vital for American national security. This renewed emphasis mirrors his initial proposal in 2019 during his first term, which was met with strong opposition. Trump's current statements emphasize the strategic necessity of controlling Greenland to counteract growing Russian and Chinese military and economic influence in the Arctic region. The proposition has swiftly escalated diplomatic tensions, particularly with Denmark, which considers Greenland a self-governing territory within its kingdom. Both Danish and Greenlandic officials have unequivocally rejected any notion of a U.S. takeover, firmly asserting Greenland's sovereignty and its right to self-determination. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen notably stated that if a choice were necessary, Greenland would side with Denmark over the United States. Greenlandic officials have described the U.S. rhetoric as "unfathomable" and a source of deep concern among the population. Despite Trump's insistence on ownership, the U.S. already operates the Pituffik military base in Greenland under a 1951 defense agreement with Denmark, allowing for extensive military access and operations vital for Arctic security. However, Trump has suggested that this existing arrangement is insufficient, stating that "one defends ownership and not leases." The underlying motivations for Trump's renewed push are believed to include Greenland's critical geopolitical position in the GIUK (Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom) Gap, which is crucial for missile defense and maritime surveillance, as well as its vast untapped reserves of rare earth minerals. Recent high-level meetings between U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials have failed to resolve these fundamental disagreements, leading to further discussions within NATO and among European allies regarding Arctic security.