The president noted that in 1946 Secretary of State James Byrnes offered $100 million in gold bullion for Greenland, worth about $1.5 billion today, but Denmark declined.

Washington:
President Donald Trump has called for immediate negotiations to acquire Greenland from Denmark, reviving a decades-old debate over the Arctic island’s sovereignty. Speaking at length, Trump insisted he would not use force but argued that the United States should control the territory.

Trump recalled World War Two, claiming America had “given Greenland back to Denmark” after the conflict, a statement that misrepresented history. In reality, an international court in 1933 confirmed Greenland belonged to Denmark, rejecting Norway’s claim. During the war, Washington and Copenhagen signed a defense agreement that allowed US bases and troops on the island to prevent Nazi occupation, but sovereignty remained with Denmark.

The president noted that in 1946 Secretary of State James Byrnes offered $100 million in gold bullion for Greenland, worth about $1.5 billion today, but Denmark declined. Trump argued that only the United States could protect the “giant piece of ice” and said negotiations should begin immediately.

“I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force,” Trump told the audience, calling it his most important statement on the matter.

He dismissed concerns that such a move would damage NATO, saying Washington contributes far more than it receives. He also highlighted what he described as an “economic miracle” under his presidency, crediting tariffs on foreign nations for boosting growth and lowering inflation.

Trump criticized Europe for rising government spending, mass migration, and reliance on imports. He claimed parts of the continent were “not even recognisable anymore.” On Ukraine, he said both President Putin and President Zelensky wanted a deal and confirmed he would meet Zelensky.

Turning to energy, Trump attacked the “Green New Scam,” calling it the “greatest hoax in history.” He argued energy policy should generate profit, not losses. He also singled out the United Kingdom, saying it now produces only one-third of the energy it did in 1999 despite vast North Sea reserves, which he blamed for soaring prices.

Trump’s remarks reignited debate over Greenland’s strategic importance and underscored his determination to place the island at the center of US interests, while stressing diplomacy over force.