Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again reignited debate over Greenland’s strategic importance by stating that the United States needs to “own” the vast Arctic territory to prevent Russia and China from expanding their influence there. The remarks revive a controversial idea Trump first floated during his presidency, drawing renewed attention to the growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic region.

Speaking on the issue, Trump argued that Greenland’s location and resources make it critical to U.S. national security. He claimed that without American control, rival powers such as Russia and China could strengthen their presence in the Arctic, potentially threatening U.S. strategic interests. While Trump did not outline specific plans, his comments underscore long-standing concerns in Washington about the militarisation and economic exploitation of the Arctic.

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Though it governs its internal affairs, Denmark retains control over defence and foreign policy. The island has gained increasing global attention due to its strategic position between North America and Europe, as well as its vast reserves of rare earth minerals, oil, and gas. Melting ice caused by climate change has further opened access to shipping routes and natural resources, intensifying international interest.

Russia has significantly expanded its Arctic military infrastructure in recent years, reopening Soviet-era bases and increasing naval patrols. China, while not an Arctic nation, has described itself as a “near-Arctic state” and invested heavily in Arctic research, infrastructure projects, and potential mining operations. These developments have raised alarms among Western policymakers, who see the region as an emerging arena of great-power competition.

Trump’s remarks echo a broader strategic debate within the United States. Even under subsequent administrations, Washington has increased its focus on Arctic security, strengthening military cooperation with NATO allies and expanding its diplomatic and economic engagement in the region. The U.S. already maintains a military presence in Greenland through the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), a key site for missile warning and space surveillance.

Denmark and Greenlandic leaders have previously rejected the idea of any sale or transfer of sovereignty. Greenland’s government has consistently emphasised that the island is not for sale and that its people have the right to decide their own future. Trump’s earlier suggestion in 2019 sparked diplomatic tensions with Denmark, which called the proposal “absurd.”

Analysts say Trump’s renewed comments are likely aimed at highlighting security concerns rather than proposing an actionable policy. However, they also reflect how the Arctic’s strategic value has grown in global politics. As ice melts and access improves, competition over resources, shipping lanes, and military positioning is expected to intensify.

The statement has once again brought Greenland into the geopolitical spotlight, raising questions about sovereignty, security, and international cooperation in the Arctic. While ownership is not realistically on the table, Trump’s comments underscore the reality that Greenland’s strategic importance is only increasing—and that the Arctic will remain a key focus of global power rivalry in the years ahead.