Former US President Donald Trump has renewed his controversial push to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, stating the United States would pursue it "the easy way or the hard way" if a deal is not reached. Speaking during a meeting with oil and gas executives, Trump emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland, asserting that its acquisition is necessary to prevent Russia or China from taking control of the vast Arctic island. He questioned Denmark's historical claim over Greenland, arguing that merely landing a boat there centuries ago does not equate to ownership. Trump's latest remarks come amid heightened international tensions, particularly following a recent US military intervention in Venezuela, which some analysts suggest has emboldened his aggressive foreign policy stance. European leaders, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, have vehemently rejected Trump's rhetoric, with Frederiksen warning that any military action against Greenland would signify the "end of the NATO alliance." Greenlandic officials have consistently maintained that the island is not for sale and that its 57,000 inhabitants alone should determine its future. The United States has long considered Greenland strategically important, operating the Thule Air Base in its northwestern tip since World War Two. However, Trump argues that existing lease agreements are insufficient for defense, insisting that outright "ownership" is essential to protect against perceived Russian and Chinese aggression in the Arctic. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated a preference for a diplomatic purchase, the White House has not ruled out the option of annexing the territory by force, causing alarm among allies. This renewed demand echoes Trump's attempts to buy Greenland during his first term in 2019, which were met with widespread international ridicule and firm rejection from Denmark.