Trump Greenland Takeover Controversy 2026: Arctic Ambitions Meet Nordic Resistance

They've shaken hands, but the fists remain clenched. The Trump Greenland takeover controversy 2026 has reached a new boiling point as the U.S. President renews his push for the Arctic island. According to Reuters, leaders in Nuuk and Copenhagen issued a sharp rebuff on January 5, 2026, dismissing Washington's territorial ambitions as a 'fantasy'.

Trump Greenland Takeover Controversy 2026: Sovereignty vs. Strategy

Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen of Greenland addressed the media in Nuuk, stating that his citizens shouldn't fear an overnight annexation. While Donald Trump recently asserted temporary control over oil-rich Venezuela, Nielsen emphasized that Greenland's democratic status makes such a comparison invalid. "Enough is enough... No more fantasies about annexation," Nielsen posted on social media late Sunday.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed this sentiment, warning that the U.S. President's comments should be taken seriously despite their controversial nature. She clarified that the Kingdom of Denmark stands firm: Greenland is not for sale and does not wish to be part of the United States. She also noted that any aggression against a NATO member would bring the alliance to a standstill.

Why the Arctic Island Matters to Washington

Greenland's value isn't just symbolic. The world's largest island, home to 57,000 people, sits in a vital location for the U.S. ballistic missile defense system. Beyond defense, the island's massive mineral reserves are a key target for the U.S. as it seeks to decouple its supply chains from China. Trump recently appointed Jeff Landry as a special envoy to the island, a move seen as a precursor to formal negotiations.