Trump Says He Will Take Action On Greenland 'Whether They Like It Or Not' In Stark Warning

Donald Trump has issued another direct warning aimed at Greenland, reviving talk of possible annexation of the autonomous Danish territory and saying he is prepared to act regardless of its wishes.

Speaking on Friday during a meeting with oil and gas executives, the president again repeated his belief that the United States should take control of the Arctic nation.

"We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not," he told those present.

"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 then escalated his language, suggesting there could be serious consequences if Greenland continues to reject his proposal.

"So we're going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way," he added.

Trump made the renewed threats during a meeting with oil executives Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Interest in Greenland is not new for American leaders, as several past US presidents have acknowledged the island’s strategic value due to its location and resources.

However, none have pursued the idea as openly or repeatedly as Trump, who has intensified his rhetoric in recent days following developments involving Venezuela and Nicolás Maduro.

Legal experts have pointed out that direct US involvement in the governance of another territory would conflict with the United Nations Charter and raise serious international law concerns.

The speed and confidence with which Trump acted in Venezuela has unsettled other nations, prompting fears that similar actions could be considered elsewhere.

Those concerns deepened after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that all options remain on the table, including military force, when discussing Greenland.

If the US were to move against Greenland, it would trigger a response from NATO, which would be obligated to defend one of its members, a scenario Trump has appeared unconcerned about.

Greenland's premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen has continually rebuked Trump's threats to his country Nichlas Pollier / Getty Images

During the same meeting, Trump repeatedly claimed responsibility for keeping NATO intact, while also saying he still supports the alliance.

"If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have a Nato right now," the president said. "But we're not going to allow Russia or China to occupy Greenland, and that's what's going to happen if we don't."

Despite his remarks, Greenland’s premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen has firmly rejected Trump’s claims and criticized the suggestion that the island could be taken against its will.

"Threats, pressure and talk of annexation have no place between friends," said Nielsen.

"That is not how you speak to a people who have shown responsibility, stability and loyalty time and again. Enough is enough. No more pressure. No more innuendo. No more fantasies about annexation."