'World Peace At Stake': Trump Says US Open To Negotiations With Denmark Over Greenland Plan

Last Updated:January 18, 2026, 07:21 IST

Reiterating his long-standing push for US control of the Arctic island, Trump claimed Greenland had become strategically vulnerable

US President Donald Trump. (File photo)

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said the United States was open to negotiations with Denmark over Greenland, warning that the issue had implications for global security and “world peace."

Reiterating his long-standing push for US control of the Arctic island, Trump claimed Greenland had become strategically vulnerable and alleged that China and Russia were seeking to expand their presence there.

“China and Russia want Greenland," Trump said, asserting that Denmark was incapable of defending the territory.

“Only the United States can guarantee its safety," he added, linking Greenland’s strategic value to US national defence and what he described as the broader security of the planet.

Trump claimed that rival powers had already “journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown," calling the situation “very dangerous for the safety, security and survival of our planet."

He argued that decisive action was needed to prevent further escalation.

Escalating pressure on Europe, Trump also announced plans to impose a 10 per cent tariff on goods from eight European countries starting February 1.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, he named Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland, accusing them of benefiting for decades from US security protection without adequate compensation.

“We have subsidised Denmark, and all of the countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them tariffs," Trump said.

“Now, after centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back." He added that the tariffs would remain in force “until such time as a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland," claiming the US had sought to acquire the territory for more than 150 years.

Trump also linked Greenland to America’s missile defence ambitions, referring to the proposed “Golden Dome" defence system and modern weapons platforms.

He said hundreds of billions of dollars were being spent on such programmes and argued they could operate at “maximum potential and efficiency" only if Greenland were included.

“The United States of America is immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these countries," Trump said, warning that strong measures were necessary to resolve the issue “quickly, and without question."

Trump’s remarks triggered protests in Greenland, where hundreds of people marched through the capital Nuuk in near-freezing conditions to oppose any suggestion of an American takeover.

Demonstrators waved Greenland’s red-and-white flags and carried placards reading “Greenland is not for sale" and “We shape our future," with similar rallies reported across Denmark.

The protests came just hours after a bipartisan US congressional delegation visited Copenhagen to reassure Danish and Greenlandic leaders of continued American support.

Led by Senator Chris Coons, the delegation sought to calm tensions, with Coons acknowledging that recent rhetoric from Washington had caused anxiety across the Danish kingdom.

Trump has repeatedly argued that US control of Greenland is essential for national security, saying earlier this week that any outcome short of American control would be “unacceptable."

He has also hinted at using trade pressure to advance the demand, warning that tariffs could be imposed on countries that refuse to “go along with Greenland."

News world 'World Peace At Stake': Trump Says US Open To Negotiations With Denmark Over Greenland Plan

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