President Donald Trump has reignited his interest in acquiring Greenland, expressing optimism that the autonomous Danish territory will eventually come under U.S. control. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump asserted, “I think we’re going to have it,” and claimed that Greenland’s 57,000 residents “want to be with us.”

Trump’s renewed remarks come amidst reports of a tense phone call with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who has repeatedly rejected the notion of selling Greenland. During the conversation, Frederiksen reportedly insisted that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders” and emphasized that its future rests solely in the hands of the island’s residents.

The president first proposed purchasing Greenland in 2019, citing its strategic value and abundant natural resources. He has since described U.S. control of the territory as an “absolute necessity” for global security, framing the acquisition as critical to maintaining “freedom for the world.”

“I don’t really understand Denmark’s claim to it,” Trump remarked, adding that denying the United States’ pursuit of the island would be “a very unfriendly act.” He contended that only the U.S. could guarantee Greenland’s freedom and security, stating, “It has nothing to do with the United States other than that we’re the only ones who can provide the freedom. They [Denmark] can’t.”

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has firmly rejected the idea of a sale, reiterating that decisions about the island’s future are a matter of “Greenland’s business.” However, Egede has shown interest in expanding defense and mining collaborations with the United States.

Denmark, too, has consistently rebuffed Trump’s aspirations. Frederiksen reaffirmed her position earlier this month, declaring, “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.” European officials described a recent 45-minute call between Frederiksen and Trump as “horrendous,” noting that the Danish government has convened emergency meetings in response to the renewed pressure.

The controversy over Greenland’s fate has reignited debates about territorial sovereignty, global security, and the evolving relationship between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland.