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By Open Chronicle with Agencies
U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited one of the most controversial geopolitical debates of his presidency by once again insisting that the United States should control Greenland, while warning that Washington could reconsider its military presence in Europe.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄźan on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Trump argued that Greenland holds vital strategic importance for U.S. national security and questioned Denmark’s role in administering the Arctic island.
Greenland “Should Be Controlled by the United States”
Trump claimed Denmark provides insufficient support to Greenland and argued that the autonomous territory’s strategic location makes it essential for American security interests.
“Greenland doesn’t help Denmark,” Trump said. “Denmark doesn’t spend money to really help Greenland, but it’s an important part of the United States.”
He further argued that the Arctic island is increasingly surrounded by Chinese and Russian naval activity, describing it as a critical location in the growing competition among major powers.
According to Trump, Greenland “should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark.”
🔥🚨 BOOM! President Trump goes off on Europe for allowing Chinese and Russian vessels to circle Greenland; it is dangerous for America.
“We could remove ALL our soldiers from Europe!” and “Greenland should be controlled by the UNITED STATES, not Denmark!”
He dropped… pic.twitter.com/pfykzW7qp0
— The Patriot Oasis™ (@ThePatriotOasis) July 7, 2026
Warning Over U.S. Military Presence in Europe
During the discussion, Trump also suggested that Washington could reconsider its long-standing military commitment to Europe.
“We could remove all of our soldiers from Europe,” he warned.
Although no specific plans were announced, the remarks immediately drew attention at the NATO summit, where allied leaders are seeking to strengthen transatlantic unity amid ongoing security challenges involving Russia, Ukraine and growing competition with China.
Trump has repeatedly argued that European allies should assume greater responsibility for their own defense while increasing military spending.
Long-Running Dispute
Trump’s interest in Greenland dates back several years and has repeatedly strained relations between Washington and Copenhagen.
The issue intensified after Trump declared in late 2025 that the United States “has to have” Greenland for national security purposes.
At the World Economic Summit in Davos earlier this year, the proposal again generated controversy after several NATO allies, including Canada, publicly expressed support for Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland.
Asked during the summit how far he would go to obtain the territory, Trump replied, “You’ll find out,” although he later ruled out using military force.
Denmark Rejects Any Negotiation
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded firmly from Ankara, reiterating that Greenland is not for sale and that Denmark expects all allies to respect its sovereignty.
“It is a well-known position of the United States that it wants to own and take over Greenland,” Frederiksen said.
“I hope that it is equally well known everywhere that this is not going to happen.”
She added that discussions concerning Greenland or the Arctic were not part of NATO summit negotiations.
Greenland Reaffirms Self-Determination
Greenland’s Foreign Minister, Mute Egede, also rejected Trump’s renewed claims, emphasizing that the island’s future belongs solely to its people.
“That’s how it has always been. And that’s how it always will be,” he wrote on social media.
Egede nevertheless stressed Greenland’s intention to continue maintaining close cooperation with its international partners and allies.
Diplomatic Contacts Continue
Despite the renewed rhetoric, diplomatic discussions between Washington, Copenhagen, and Greenland have continued.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed in June that American officials remain engaged in regular monthly talks with both Denmark and Greenland, although no formal negotiations over sovereignty have been announced.
Trump also suggested that the Greenland dispute had negatively affected his relationship with NATO, arguing that Denmark had failed to support his position despite substantial American defense commitments to Europe.
The renewed comments are expected to add another layer of tension to an already complex NATO summit, where leaders are focused on strengthening collective defense, increasing military investment and addressing security challenges across Europe and the Arctic.