“Easy Way or Hard Way”: Trump Greenland Ownership Claim 2026 Sparks NATO Crisis

He's shaking hands, but the fist is still clenched. President Donald Trump has declared that the US needs to "own" Greenland to prevent Russia and China from seizing the strategic territory, signaling a massive shift in Arctic policy.

Trump Greenland Ownership Claim 2026: Security vs Sovereignty

According to Reuters, Trump told reporters on Friday, January 9, 2026, that lease agreements aren't enough for national security. "Countries can't make nine-year deals or even 100-year deals; they have to have ownership," he said. He warned that the US would achieve this either the "easy way" through purchase or the "hard way," which many interpret as a threat of annexation by force.

The US already maintains a presence at the Pituffik base with over 100 personnel. However, Trump claims the island is "covered with Russian and Chinese ships," making it a vital frontier for early warning systems. This aggressive stance follows the recent seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces, raising fears that the administration is ready to use military power to achieve its geopolitical goals.

Allies Rally Behind Denmark: A Threat to the Alliance

Denmark and the semi-autonomous government of Greenland have flatly rejected the offer, stating the territory is "not for sale." Copenhagen warned that any military action would spell the end of the trans-Atlantic defense alliance. Key NATO allies, including Canada and major European powers, have reaffirmed their support for Danish sovereignty.