By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
U.S. President Donald Trump declared Friday that the United States intends to acquire Greenland “whether they like it or not,” suggesting Denmark could cede the territory “the easy way or the hard way.”
He argued ownership is essential for defense and claimed if the U.S. does not take control, China or Russia will.
The remarks follow a statement earlier this week from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who indicated military action remained an option regarding Greenland.
Both Greenland and Denmark have consistently rejected the idea, affirming the autonomous territory is not for sale and belongs to its people.
Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory since 1979, holds strategic importance in the Arctic.
Trump previously attempted to purchase the island during his presidency in 2019, an offer swiftly dismissed by Danish authorities.