President Donald Trump argued on Wednesday morning that Greenland is “vital” for his plans to build a “Golden Dome” of defense to protect the United States as he ramps up his push for the United States to acquire the territory.
Trump also said that NATO would benefit from the United States controlling Greenland, arguing it would keep Russia and China at bay. The president made his early morning comments on Greenland as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepare to meet with Denmark’s and Greenland’s foreign ministers at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the Trump administration’s efforts to acquire the large territory. Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with control over most domestic affairs, while Denmark has authority over foreign policy and defense.
“The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON’T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!” Trump wrote.
“Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent — Not even close! They know that, and so do I,” Trump added. “NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Trump’s “Golden Dome for America” would set up a missile defense system encircling the United States, a much larger version of Israel’s “Iron Dome.” The president hopes to complete the $175 billion defense project by the end of his term. Trump said the “Golden Dome” would complete the “Star Wars” defense plan conceived by former President Ronald Reagan. The first $25 billion for the plan was appropriated under Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
“Once fully constructed, the golden dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they are launched from space, and we will have the best system ever built,” Trump said in May.
In the past month, Trump has focused much of his attention on acquiring Greenland, an idea he floated a few times last year. On December 21, Trump appointed Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry to serve as special envoy to Greenland, saying that Landry “understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World.”
Trump told reporters at the White House last week that the United States would “do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not.” He said the United States would take control of Greenland the “easy way” — by making a deal — or the “hard way,” which he didn’t elaborate on. The White House has not ruled out using military force to achieve its goals with Greenland.
On Sunday, the president again stressed the importance of the United States taking control of Greenland, adding that he was “not going to let” Russia or China invade the territory. Trump said he “would love” to make a deal with Denmark, which oversees Greenland, to acquire the territory. Leaders in Denmark and Greenland, however, have opposed Trump’s push to take control of Greenland.