Donald Trump addressed one of his most talked-about ambitions in a recent interview, offering new insight into his ongoing interest in Greenland. The former president explained why the idea of owning the Arctic island holds personal significance for him.
Donald Trump talks about owning Greenland
President Donald Trump told The New York Times on January 7, 2026, that taking ownership of Greenland is “psychologically important” to him. When asked why he won’t just send more American troops to Greenland—something legal under a Cold War–era agreement—Trump responded, “Because that’s what I feel is psychologically needed for success.” He explained, “Ownership gives you things and elements that you can’t get from just signing a document, that you can have a base.” When asked whether the psychological importance was personal or national, Trump replied, “Psychologically important for me.”
Trump has discussed acquiring Greenland almost daily since the start of 2026. On January 9, he said, “We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not, because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor.” He told The New York Times he would use nuclear force if needed but admitted it “might upset NATO.”
Greenland governs itself but remains part of Denmark, a NATO member. Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty declares that an armed attack on one NATO member counts as an attack on all. Senator Chris Murphy warned that if the U.S. took over Greenland, “it would be the end of NATO.”
Chinese officials responded by accusing Trump of using “other countries as an excuse to pursue its own private interests.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reaffirmed on Facebook that Denmark believes in “peoples’ right to self-determination” and emphasized, “We should never compromise on this.”
Trump also said, “My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me,” in reference to world dominance. He claimed he now “runs” Venezuela after capturing its president on January 3, 2026.
