President of the United States Donald Trump stated that they must have “control of Greenland for ensuring international security.” Trump emphasized that he cannot rely on Denmark or any other country for this. Responding to questions at a swearing-in ceremony at the White House regarding the appointment of Alina Habba as the New Jersey Attorney General, Trump said, “We need Greenland. More importantly, we must own Greenland for international security.” When asked about plans to expand the U.S. military presence in Greenland, Trump expressed concern about Chinese and Russian ships circulating around Greenland, stating they do not trust Denmark or anyone else to deal with this. Highlighting the importance of Greenland in the modern age, Trump reiterated the U.S.’s stance on regional dominance. Trump pointed out the opening of waterways around Greenland with icebreakers, facilitating “direct access to China and Russia.”

Regarding the deportation of gang members, President Trump praised the efforts of Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel against criminal gang members in the context of the threat posed by some irregular migrants within the country. He mentioned the violence committed by members of the Venezuelan gang “Tren de Aragua” nationwide, emphasizing the need to eliminate such individuals from communities. Trump stressed that the U.S. judiciary needs to allow them to do this and credited their promises in the previous presidential elections for their victory. He highlighted the deportation of 261 gang members linked to the Venezuelan gang “Tren de Aragua” to El Salvador under the Foreign Enemies Act.

President Donald Trump invoked the Foreign Enemies Act to expedite the deportation of migrants associated with the Venezuelan gang “Tren de Aragua.” Despite a temporary restraining order issued by District Court Judge James Boasberg against the deportation of 261 Venezuelans to El Salvador without legal process, Trump’s administration argued that planes had taken off before the court’s order was formalized. The administration then appealed Boasberg’s decision to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals but the Court ruled in favor of Boasberg’s jurisdiction.

Trump has frequently expressed his desire to bring Greenland under U.S. control since returning to office. On December 23, 2024, Trump shared on his Truth Social account that it is essential for Greenland to be under U.S. control and described securing ownership and control of the island as an “absolute necessity.” Similarly, during a meeting in the Oval Office with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on March 13, Trump reiterated similar statements, saying, “I think it’s going to happen. We need to make a deal about this, and Denmark can’t do it. We are in talks with Denmark. We really need this for our national security.” Despite the push for U.S. control, Greenland’s administration continues to assert that the island is “not for sale and will not be for sale,” with Denmark emphasizing its solidarity with Greenland.