Trump Talks About Greenland as If It’s Already U.S. Territory

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump spoke Friday about Greenland as though its incorporation into the United States is already underway, with the only remaining uncertainty being how long everyone else plans to pretend the decision hasn’t been made.

“We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” Trump said, describing the future of the Arctic territory in language more commonly used for zoning changes than international relations.

The remarks came as Trump outlined what aides described as a “flexible” approach to sovereignty, one that includes purchasing the territory, deploying the U.S. military, or simply proceeding as though ownership has already been established.

Trump also dismissed Denmark’s objections, arguing that historical claims are largely symbolic. “They had a boat land there 500 years ago,” he said. “We’ve had boats go there too. Probably better boats.”

The administration has framed the move as a matter of national security, warning that if the U.S. does not take Greenland, Russia or China might—despite neither country expressing any interest in doing so. “We can’t just sit around letting other countries maybe think about things,” one official said. “That’s how you lose territory you don’t yet own.”

At press time, Trump referred to Greenland as “our place up north” and assured reporters the situation was “already pretty much handled.”