‘Nato should be leading the way’: Donald Trump renews push to acquire Greenland, citing security concerns; links takeover to ‘Golden Dome’ defence

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday renewed his push for the United States to acquire Greenland, saying the Arctic island is vital for American national security and for the “Golden Dome” defence system he claims Washington is building.In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building.” He argued that Nato should take the lead in ensuring Greenland comes under US control, warning that if Washington does not act, “Russia or China will” — something he said “is not going to happen.”Trump also linked Greenland’s future directly to Nato’s military strength, claiming the alliance would be far less effective without US power.

“Militarily, without the vast power of the United States… Nato would not be an effective force or deterrent — not even close!” he wrote, adding that Nato would become “far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the United States.”

He concluded by saying that “anything less than that is unacceptable.”The remarks come amid fresh tensions with Denmark and Greenland’s leadership. Earlier, he warned Greenland’s prime minister after Jens-Frederik Nielsen reaffirmed the island’s commitment to Denmark and rejected the idea of becoming a US territory.

“That’s their problem. I disagree with them,” Trump said, adding that Nielsen’s stance would be “a big problem for him.”Speaking in Copenhagen alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Nielsen said Greenland faced a clear choice and had decided to stand with Denmark, stressing unity within the Danish kingdom. While Greenland’s political debate continues to evolve, some voices on the island have argued that remaining under Denmark within Nato’s security framework is the wiser long-term option.Trump has repeatedly dismissed Denmark’s role, insisting that Greenland’s current defences are inadequate. He has claimed the island is vulnerable to Russian and Chinese naval activity and argued that US ownership — not leases or limited military access — is essential for effective defence. While acknowledging that the US already has bases and personnel on the island, Trump has said this is “insufficient” without full control.Denmark, meanwhile, has described the situation as a “decisive moment,” reiterating that Greenland is not for sale and rejecting Washington’s advances.The rhetoric has also raised alarm within US military circles. According to the Daily Mail, Trump has asked senior special forces commanders to prepare contingency plans for a possible invasion of Greenland, a move that has reportedly faced resistance from top military officials concerned about its legality and political feasibility.Despite the pushback, Trump has continued to frame Greenland as central to US and Nato security, warning that Washington will not allow either Russia or China to gain a foothold in the Arctic island.