President Donald Trump did not dismiss the option of using military force in his pursuit to acquire Greenland, as the Danish territory continues to reject his overtures.
Vance visit to Greenland met with cold welcome by locals
Vice President JD Vance advanced President Donald Trump’s agenda to acquire Greenland during his visit to a U.S. military base there.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he would not eliminate the possibility of using military force in his efforts to acquire Greenland, emphasizing his responsibility to seek ownership of the Danish territory that has turned down his proposals.
The day after administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, visited a U.S. military facility there, Trump shared in an NBC News interview that he had indeed “absolutely” discussed the idea of annexing Greenland.
“We will acquire Greenland. Yes, 100%,” Trump reportedly stated to the news outlet.
During his visit, Vance criticized Denmark, claiming the nation has been inadequate with its security, leaving Greenland vulnerable to potential threats from Russia and China. He urged the Greenlandic people to consider separating from Denmark to foster dialogue about U.S. acquisition of the territory.
Afterwards, he clarified to reporters that he was not indicating a shift in the administration’s stance, but rather emphasizing that Trump does not believe military intervention is required for the U.S. to take control of Greenland.
“We don’t believe military action will ever be necessary,” Vance said at Pituffik Space Base.
When asked about the statements during the NBC interview, Trump reaffirmed his desire to take control of the island, noting the “good possibility” of achieving this without military aid.
“No, I never dismiss military action. But I believe there’s a good chance we can achieve it without resorting to military means,” Trump said. “We have a duty to maintain global peace and security, and I take that duty seriously as president. No option is off the table.”
Vance’s trip with Trump administration officials and his wife, Usha, replaced a longer journey that the second lady had originally planned to take without her spouse. The prior schedule was cancelled after Greenland’s former prime minister labeled the move “highly aggressive” and a “provocation,” with the government indicating that the U.S. delegation was uninvited to tour the island.
The vice president and U.S. officials, including national security adviser Michael Waltz, subsequently visited the military installation.
Vance noted that Denmark has “underinvested” in Greenland’s security.
“Our message to Denmark is straightforward. You have not sufficiently supported the people of Greenland,” he stated. “This must change, and because it hasn’t, President Trump’s approach toward Greenland reflects this reality.”
Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, responded to Vance’s remarks on X, stating that his country can handle criticism but disagrees with the tone of the Trump administration’s comments regarding Denmark.
“This is not how you communicate with your close allies,” he remarked.
He invited the U.S. to collaborate with Denmark to bolster its military presence in Greenland.
Greenland’s newly appointed prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, also noted that the comments revealed a “lack of respect” towards the island.
As a NATO ally, Denmark faces opposition from Greenland’s residents against the potential of becoming a part of the United States.
Nevertheless, the U.S. president remains resolute. “We need Greenland, and it is crucial for global security. We must acquire Greenland,” he asserted on Friday at the White House.
Trump addresses ‘Signalgate’ and tariffs
On Saturday, Trump expressed continued confidence in his national security team following the revelation that Waltz unintentionally included The Atlantic’s editor in a text exchange where officials discussed a preemptive strike on Houthi militants in Yemen.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had shared specifics of the operation in a group chat on Signal, an encrypted messaging application, with Waltz, Vance, and other senior officials in the Trump administration.
“I don’t terminate people over fake news or witch hunts,” Trump remarked to NBC News on Saturday.
The administration acknowledged that an inadvertent addition of a journalist occurred in the conversation but asserted that none of the information discussed was classified.
The U.S. president also stated that he “couldn’t care less” if automakers raise car prices due to his 25% tariff on imports, asserting that “people will opt for American-made vehicles” if foreign vehicle prices go up.
He indicated he would proceed with extensive tariffs set to activate on April 2 unless affected countries provide him with significant concessions in return.
“Only if nations are prepared to offer us something of substantial value. Countries possess valuable resources; otherwise, there’s no room for negotiation,” Trump concluded.