Trump revives Greenland push, links US military presence in Europe to Arctic ambitions

ANKARA, TURKEY: President Donald Trump revived one of his most controversial foreign policy ambitions Tuesday, June 7, declaring that Greenland "should be controlled by the United States" while suggesting Europe could lose its American military presence if allies continue opposing his vision.

The remarks, delivered after arriving for the NATO summit in Ankara, thrust the Arctic island back into the center of transatlantic tensions just months after diplomatic efforts appeared to ease the dispute.

Trump's latest comments go beyond his previous calls to acquire Greenland by linking the issue directly to America's defense commitments in Europe. The island, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and a NATO-linked strategic outpost in the Arctic, has become increasingly important amid growing competition involving Russia and China.

Greenland back to center stage as Trump repeats claim

Speaking to reporters, Trump argued Greenland is too strategically important to remain under Danish control.

"It should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark," he said, repeating his long-held position that the island is critical to US national security.

Trump claimed Greenland is increasingly surrounded by Chinese and Russian ships, saying the United States could not allow such developments to continue. His comments echoed arguments he first made during his initial presidency, when he unsuccessfully sought to purchase the island from Denmark.

However, experts on Arctic security have disputed Trump's characterization of Chinese and Russian activity around Greenland, while Greenland's leaders have repeatedly insisted the territory is not for sale.

Trump issues warning of troop withdrawal from Europe

Trump escalated the dispute by tying Greenland to America's military commitment across Europe.

Expressing frustration over European resistance to his proposal, he suggested Washington could reconsider maintaining its troop presence on the continent.

"We could remove all of our soldiers out of Europe," Trump said, arguing the United States spends billions defending allies that refuse to support what he considers key American security interests.

He also warned Europe to "be careful" on immigration and energy policy, claiming the continent faces long-term challenges if current trends continue.

The remarks are likely to intensify debate over NATO's future as alliance members continue increasing defense spending in response to years of pressure from Washington.

European leaders push back cautiously

Trump's renewed comments prompted swift reactions from European leaders attending the summit. 

Finnish President Alexander Stubb urged a calmer approach, saying Arctic security should remain a shared NATO priority rather than a source of confrontation. He noted that several alliance members are Arctic nations and highlighted Finland's extensive experience operating in the region.

Meanwhile, diplomatic talks between the United States, Denmark and Greenland have continued through a trilateral working group established earlier this year to address security cooperation and future relations.

Although Denmark has expressed hope for a negotiated path forward, Trump's latest remarks signal Greenland remains a major point of friction between Washington and several of its closest NATO allies.