US President Donald Trump reignited calls for American control of Greenland, prompting strong reactions from Denmark and Greenland’s leaders.

On Newstalk Breakfast, Shane Coleman spoke with David Smith, the Washington Bureau Chief at The Guardian, about Trump’s decision to appoint a special envoy to Greenland.

Smith explained that while the issue may seem surprising, it is not new. 

“People are surprised that this is back on the agenda,” he said, noting that Trump raised the idea previously. 

Smith said the former president “still seems intent on taking control of Greenland."

Speaking recently at Mar-a-Lago, Trump argued that the move was driven by national security concerns rather than access to minerals. 

According to Smith, Trump believes Greenland is strategically vital due to increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. 

“He talks about Russian and Chinese ships all over the place and apparently believes it’s vital that the US has control here,” Smith said.

When asked whether a military takeover could be possible, Smith was realistic about the situation. 

“I’ve learned from ten years of following Trump never to rule anything out,” he said, however he described the scenario as “almost unthinkable."

“He goes for the maximalist position and if he comes away with even 20 or 30 per cent of what he wanted, he still regards that as a win.”

Nuuk Greenland, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/ Philip Crowther)

The reaction from Europe has been moving quickly.

Denmark and Greenland issued strong statements condemning the move, while the US ambassador to Denmark has been summoned for explanations. 

Smith added it is “another moment where Donald Trump seems to show little regard for Europe.”