Why Trump is likely so interested in Greenland

Published January 7, 2026 3:00pm ET



President Donald Trump continues pressing his demands for Denmark to hand over Greenland, amplifying his rhetoric after the U.S. military stormed Venezuela and captured its leader.

Trump has said acquiring Greenland is essential for national security purposes, given the island’s strategic location in the Arctic Ocean and rising foreign activity in nearby waters. Russia and China have ships operating near Greenland.

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