US will take control of Greenland one way or another: Trump

US President Donald Trump said the United States wants Greenland and will take control of the island “one way or another.”

According to Russia’s state news agency TASS, Trump, during a meeting with senior oil industry executives, downplayed questions about the cost of acquiring Greenland, emphasizing that taking action was the main priority.

“We are going to do something with Greenland — whether they like it or not,” he said, adding that inaction could allow Russia or China to expand influence there.

Trump said he prefers a peaceful resolution but is prepared to take tougher measures if necessary. Asked why Greenland should become part of the United States, he said ownership would allow Washington to better protect the island. “You can’t protect a place the same way when you only lease it,” he added.

Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland should be part of the US, and in a May interview with NBC News, he did not rule out the use of force to achieve that goal.

US Vice President JD Vance said in March last year that Washington expects Greenland to eventually gain independence and later join the United States peacefully, eliminating the need for military action.

However, a written statement to Reuters on January 6 said the president, as commander-in-chief, retains the option to use military force. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on January 7 that Trump is actively discussing the possibility of purchasing Greenland with his advisers.

Greenland is currently an autonomous territory of Denmark. Under a 1951 NATO defense agreement, the United States is responsible for defending Greenland in the event of an attack.