'Anything less is unacceptable': Trump hurls explicit demand for Greenland takeover

President Donald Trump demanded Wednesday that Greenland be put “in the hand of the United States” in a fiery social media post, declaring the the United States “needs” the arctic island for national security.

“The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON’T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

“Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent – Not even close! They know that, and so do I. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable.”

Trump has pursued acquiring Greenland since 2019, and in recent months, has ramped up those calls, telling reporters recently “we need Greenland from the standpoint of national security.” Greenland is currently a territory of Denmark, though operates autonomously with its own government.

On Wednesday, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the island would prefer to stay a territory of Denmark. Later that same day, Trump was asked about Nielsen’s comment and revealed he was unaware of who Nielsen was, but slammed their remarks nonetheless.

“That's their problem," Trump said. "I disagree with them. I don't know who he is, don't know anything about him, but that's going to be a big problem."