We’ll Do It the Hard Way If It’s Not the Easy Way: Trump Sharpens Threats Over Greenland

US President Donald Trump on Friday dramatically escalated his rhetoric over Greenland, signaling that Washington may pursue more forceful options if it cannot secure control of the strategically vital Arctic territory through negotiation.

Speaking to reporters, Trump framed the issue as a choice between diplomacy and determination. “I would like to make a deal the easy way,” he said. “But we’re going to do it the hard way if we don’t take the simple route.” In the same exchange, Trump attempted to soften the message with praise for Copenhagen, adding, “And by the way, I’m a fan of Denmark too. I have to tell you, they have been very nice to me. I’m a big fan.”

The remarks come as Greenland—an autonomous territory of Denmark—continues to insist that it is not for sale. Concerns over Washington’s intentions have intensified in recent weeks, prompting senior diplomats from both Greenland and Denmark to meet with White House officials on Thursday in an effort to defuse tensions.

When questioned about reports suggesting the US might offer direct financial incentives to Greenlanders to sway public opinion, Trump was deliberately noncommittal. “I’m not talking about money for Greenland yet,” he said. “I may discuss that. But whether they like it or not, we are going to take action on Greenland right now.”

Trump justified his stance by invoking national and global security concerns, warning that any US hesitation would create an opening for rival powers. “If we don’t do it, china or Russia will take over Greenland,” he asserted. “And neither China nor Russia will be our neighbors.”

Dismissing Denmark’s historical claim to the island, Trump questioned the legitimacy of long-standing sovereignty arguments. “The fact that they had a boat land there 500 years ago doesn’t mean that they own the land,” he said. “Many boats went there as well.” He pointed to what he described as increased Russian and Chinese military activity near the Arctic, including the presence of destroyers and submarines in surrounding waters.

“We will not permit China or Russia to occupy Greenland,” Trump declared. “So, either the easy way or the more challenging way, we’re going to be doing something with Greenland.”

Asked why ownership was necessary given that the United States already maintains a military presence on the island, Trump argued that leases and agreements were insufficient. “Because we defend it when we own it,” he said. “Leases are not defended in the same manner. You must take responsibility for it.”

He contrasted this approach with what he described as flawed past diplomacy, criticizing the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal for being too limited in duration. “Nine-year or even hundred-year agreements cannot be made by nations,” Trump said. “You stand up for ownership.”

Attempting to balance his hardline stance with diplomatic nuance, Trump reiterated that he maintains good personal relations with global rivals. He said he likes both China and Russia and has positive ties with their leaders, particularly Xi Jinping and Vladimir putin. Still, he drew a firm line. “But I don’t want them as a neighbor in Greenland,” Trump said. “It won’t happen.”