‘Their defense is two dog sleds’: Trump pushes Greenland ‘takeover’; shares why US needs to 'acquire' it

US President Donald Trump has once again openly pushed for the United States to acquire Greenland, dismissing Denmark’s role and warning that the Arctic island could otherwise fall under Russian or Chinese influence.

Asked whether he had made a tangible offer to Greenland or Denmark, Trump replied, “I haven’t done that. But Greenland should make the deal because Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over.”




While speaking to reporters, Trump claimed that Greenland should make a deal because its existing defences were minimal.

"Do you know what their defense is? Two dog sleds. In the meantime, you have Russian destroyers and submarines and China destroyers and submarines all over the place. We're not going to let that happen," he said.

"And if it affects Nato, and then it affects Nato, but you know, they need us much more than we need them,” he added.



His remarks came as the United Kingdom and Germany are reported to be discussing plans for a joint NATO mission to protect Arctic security in Greenland.

Also read: Trump orders special forces to draw up Greenland invasion plan — what we know

Asked whether such talks changed his approach, Trump responded with a blunt "no" and stressed that their objective was taking complete control. “Look, we’re talking about acquiring, not leasing, not having it short term. We’re talking about acquiring,” he said.

On whether the US would expand its military presence on the island in the interim, Trump said American forces were already stationed there. “We have bases on Greenland. Yeah. A lot of soldiers there right now, if I want,” he said, but added that this was insufficient.

“But you need more than that. You need ownership. You really have. You really need title,” Trump said.

Also read: Billionaires bet on Greenland as Trump hints at taking it ‘the hard way’

Meanwhile, Denmark's prime minister said her country faces a "decisive moment" amid Trump's repeated threats.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has repeatedly rejected previous US advances, while Copenhagen has maintained that the island is not for sale