Jan 6, 2026, 2:58 p.mJan 6, 2026, 2:58 p.m
Donald Trump wants Greenland – the US President has long made no secret of this. “We need Greenland for national security,” Trump said again this week. Trump doesn’t seem to care that the island is part of Denmark, an ally of the USA.
US President Donald Trump wants Greenland.Image: keystone
However, it is still unclear how exactly Trump wants to gain control over Greenland. The US President has already said in the past that he would not rule out military intervention. At the same time, this would probably amount to a break with the rest of NATO – on Tuesday, European countries jointly announced that to stand behind Denmark and Greenland on the issue.
Again Economist Now reported, Trump and US officials could therefore have a different idea in mind – that of a so-called Compact of Free Association (COFA). These are international agreements between the United States and various small states.
The USA provides the citizens of these areas with defense, financial subsidies and access to US social benefits. In return, the USA is allowed to take military action there and claim land for bases. At the same time, other countries are not allowed to send armed forces there without the consent of the USA. So far, the states have such an agreement with three small states – the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau.
The USA has already stationed troops in Greenland today. There is also no official upper limit for soldiers. However, any significant increase or change in US military presence would likely require Denmark’s approval, the Economist said. This is exactly what the USA wants to prevent. Those responsible are therefore aiming for direct talks with the Greenlandic government – but so far they don’t seem to be well received.
Danish troops during an exercise in the Greenland capital Nuuk.Image: keystone
Denmark has so far vehemently opposed a US takeover of Greenland. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the United States had “absolutely no right” to annex part of the Danish community. She called on the US to “stop threats against a historically close ally and against another country and another people that have clearly stated that they are not for sale.”
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen appeared more open to more intensive cooperation with the USA. “We are open to dialogue,” said Nielsen on Tuesday. However, he said of the reports of a possible US intervention in Greenland: “Enough is enough. No more hints or fantasies about annexation.” On Tuesday he also called for unity among allied countries. (dab)