President Donald Trump has reignited his push for U.S. control of Greenland, escalating rhetoric by declaring the territory will be pursued “whether they like it or not”, warning that failure to act could allow Russia or China to take over the strategically vital Arctic land.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said: “I would like to make a deal the easy way. If we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way.” He added: “I’m not talking about money for Greenland yet, I might talk about it later but right now we’re going to do something with Greenland"

Trump also dismissed Denmark’s historical claim, remarking: “The fact that they had a boat land there 500 years ago doesn’t mean that they own the land.” He insisted he supports NATO, claiming he “saved” the alliance.

"...If we don’t, Russia or China will take over Greenland & we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor.” - Trump

The comments revive Trump’s 2019 proposal to buy Greenland, which Denmark firmly rejected.

Greenland’s former Prime Minister Múte B. Egede reiterated earlier: “We are not for sale and never will be.”