Donald Trump has repeatedly said the US needs Greenland for its national security.

15:58, Mon, Jan 19, 2026 Updated: 16:20, Mon, Jan 19, 2026

President Trump Spends Weekend At Mar-a-Lago In Palm Beach, Florida

Donald Trump said 'no comment' when asked if the US would seize Greenland by force (Image: Getty)

Donald Trump has given a two-word reply when asked whether he would use the force to seize Greenland. The US President has repeated multiple times over the past few weeks that his country "needs" to acquire Greenland for its national security. 

On the weekend, after European allies of Denmark stood by the small kingdom, Mr Trump announced he would impose increasingly high tariffs on countries not backing Washington's claim over the semi-autonomous territory. Today, he stressed he intends "100%" to hit European nations - including the UK - with tariffs should a deal not be agreed over Greenland.

Asked if he would use force to seize Greenland, the US President then told NBC News: "No comment".

On January 6, the White House said in a statement: "President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region. The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal."

On Saturday, Mr Trump announced his intention to slap a 10% tariff on "any and all goods" sent from the US from February 1 on a number of countries including the UK until "such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland". He added that these will be increased to 25% on June 1.

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Mr Trump's refusal to rule out military action to acquire Greenland comes as Denmark announced it would send more combat soldiers to the autonomous territory.

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The Danish Armed Forces said "a substantial contribution" is expected to arrive in Kangerlussuaq on Monday afternoon. The soldiers will contribute to the troop buildup of Danish soldiers that is currently taking place, Danish TV2 reported.

Greenlandic Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said recent demonstrations in the country as well as in Denmark, have shown "strong and dignified unity". He added Trump's threats of tariffs do not change the Greenlandic line. "We will not be pressured. We stand firm on dialogue, respect, and international law," Nielsen also said.