Trump warns US will act ‘easy way or the hard way’ on Greenland; cites risk of Russia, China taking over

US President Donald Trump has escalated rhetoric over Greenland, warning that the United States will act “the easy way or the hard way” to secure control of the Arctic island, citing fears of Russian or Chinese influence. Speaking at the White House, Trump said Washington would not allow its geopolitical rivals to gain a foothold so close to US territory.

Emphasising Greenland’s strategic importance, Trump argued that ownership was essential for defence, saying the US would be responsible for protecting the island if it controlled it. He claimed that failure to act would allow China or Russia to move in, something he said the US would not accept.

The comments have alarmed Denmark, which governs Greenland as a semi-autonomous territory. Danish authorities have warned that any attack would be met with force, while European leaders have stressed that Greenland falls under collective security arrangements, raising concerns of a broader diplomatic rupture.

Trump’s remarks have also fuelled anxiety among US allies about his willingness to use military power to achieve foreign policy goals. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that a US attack on Greenland would effectively end the NATO alliance.

Alongside the rhetoric, the Trump administration is reportedly exploring non-military options, including direct payments to Greenlanders or a Compact of Free Association that would give the US defence access. However, polls suggest that while many Greenlanders favour independence from Denmark, they do not support becoming part of the United States.