Trump Reveals Greenland Obsession Is ‘Psychologically Important’ to Him Personally, Hints at Nuclear Option in New Interview
In a two-hour interview with The New York Times published on January 8, Trump openly admitted that his relentless pursuit of “full ownership” of Greenland is driven primarily by personal psychological need rather than purely strategic or national security considerations.
The 79-year-old president also refused to rule out the use of nuclear force to seize the Arctic island from Denmark, while acknowledging that such a move “might upset NATO” given Denmark’s membership in the alliance.
The remarks—delivered during a sit-down with multiple Times reporters represent one of the most candid admissions yet of Trump’s personal motivations in foreign policy, as he continues to escalate rhetoric and military posture toward Greenland and other nations in the region.
When national security correspondent David E. Sanger asked why Trump would not simply increase U.S. troop presence in Greenland—permitted under existing Cold War-era defense agreements if the goal was to counter foreign threats, the president responded that military basing alone would not suffice.
“Why is ownership important here?” Sanger pressed.
“Because that’s what I feel is psychologically needed for success,” Trump replied. “I think that ownership gives you a thing that you can’t do, whether you’re talking about a lease or a treaty. Ownership gives you things and elements that you can’t get from just signing a document, that you can have a base.”
White House correspondent Katie Rogers—whom Trump has previously insulted publicly followed up: “Psychologically important to you or to the United States?”
“Psychologically important for me,” Trump answered without hesitation. “Now, maybe another president would feel differently, but so far I’ve been right about everything.”
The exchange stunned observers, marking a rare moment in which Trump explicitly framed a major foreign policy objective as tied to his personal sense of fulfillment rather than national interest.
Refusal to Rule Out Nuclear Force
Trump went further when asked about the potential use of extreme measures. He stated he would not be opposed to nuclear force “if I needed it” to take control of Greenland, though he acknowledged the risks: “It might upset NATO,” since the island is a self-governing territory of NATO member Denmark.
Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty declares that an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy (D) warned on NBC’s Meet the Press that any U.S. attempt to seize Greenland “would be the end of NATO.”
Trump has made acquiring Greenland a near-daily talking point since returning to office, framing the resource-rich, strategically located island as essential to countering Russia and China in the Arctic.
On January 9, he told reporters: “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.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded forcefully on Facebook over the weekend: “The United States and Europe are rooted in the idea of freedom. We should never compromise on this. Disagreements and conflicts between the United States and Europe only benefit our adversaries. They weaken us and strengthen them.”
She continued: “Denmark is a loyal and strong ally. We are in the midst of a significant rearmament, and we are ready to defend our values—wherever it is necessary—also in the Arctic. We believe in international law and in peoples’ right to self-determination. That’s why we uphold the principles of sovereignty, self-determination and territorial integrity.”
Frederiksen’s statement appeared to directly counter Trump’s claim in the Times interview that he does not “need international law” because he is “not looking to hurt people.”
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Pattern of Territorial Ambition
The Greenland fixation is part of a larger pattern of territorial assertions in Trump’s second term. He has repeatedly claimed to “run” Venezuela following the recent U.S. strikes and Maduro’s arrest, and has threatened additional nations in the region.
Critics argue the rhetoric—coupled with the doctored “acting president” image posted last week reflects a dangerous willingness to challenge sovereignty norms, risking diplomatic isolation and potential conflict.
The White House has not clarified whether Trump’s comments on nuclear force or personal psychological need represent official policy. Administration officials have previously described Greenland interest as a strategic necessity for Arctic dominance, without addressing personal motivations.
Denmark has repeatedly rejected any sale or transfer of Greenland, emphasizing the island’s autonomy and self-determination. Greenland’s own leadership has dismissed U.S. overtures, with many residents viewing the idea as colonial.
The president’s remarks have alarmed NATO allies and drawn condemnation from Latin American leaders already reeling from the Venezuela intervention.
Domestically, Democrats have seized on the interview as evidence of instability, while some Republicans privately express concern over the escalation of personal rhetoric in foreign policy.
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Trump’s fixation on Greenland ensures the issue remains central to his second-term agenda as Arctic competition intensifies—with Russia and China expanding their presence.
Whether driven by strategy, ego, or both, his refusal to rule out extreme measures keeps global attention fixed on the Arctic—and on the unpredictable trajectory of U.S. policy under his leadership. The world is watching, and few are reassured.
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