Donald Trump has issued an ominous threat as he explains the real reason why the US wants to acquire Greenland.
Last year, US Vice President JD Vance had a less-than-warm welcome in the territory, which is currently owned by Denmark, as the US continued to show interest in taking over it.
Trump has wanted Greenland since 2019 and made it clear to Congress last year that 'we have to have Greenland. It's not a question of "Do you think we can do without it?" We can't'.
He initially suggested that the people of Greenland would be free to make their own decision about their future, but would be welcomed into the United States if they wanted.
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The 79-year-old claimed that Greenland was essential 'for national security and international security', however, those who live in the country made it clear that they didn't welcome the US intrusion.
The president has now doubled down on his hope of taking over the autonomous territory, suggesting that they would take it by force if necessary.
As per the BBC, he told reporters on Friday (9 January): "Countries have to have ownership and you defend ownership, you don't defend leases. And we'll have to defend Greenland.
"We will do it 'the easy way' or 'the hard way'."
In this case, the easy way would be buying it directly from Denmark, which has suggested that it's not for sale, while the hard way would likely be military action, which Denmark has confirmed would mark the end of the trans-Atlantic defence alliance.
Greenland has continued to protest any foreign intervention, even rejecting their current position as part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
In a joint statement on Friday night, Greenland's party leaders said: "We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders. The future of Greenland must be decided by the Greenlandic people."
But that is unlikely to deter Trump, who is seemingly desperate to acquire the country because of its geographical position, which would allow for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks, and for monitoring vessels in the region.
He has claimed, without proof, that the territory is 'covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place'. And that is his main basis for taking it over, as he wants the US to own it rather than Russia or China.
Trump added: "I love the people of China. I love the people of Russia. But I don't want them as a neighbour in Greenland, not going to happen.
"And by the way NATO's got to understand that."
But Denmark's NATO allies have rallied to its support this week with statements reaffirming that 'only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations'.
Considering Trump was willing to abduct the president of Venezuela last week, there's no telling what he will sanction in his pursuit of Greenland.
Topics: Donald Trump, Greenland, JD Vance, US News
James Moorhouse