"We are going to do something on Greenland": US lawmaker moves bill for annexation amid Trump remarks

Amid renewed remarks by US President Donald Trump on Greenland, a US Congressman has introduced legislation seeking the annexation of the Arctic island and its eventual admission as a US state.

The move comes as the Trump administration continues to emphasise the strategic importance of the region amid growing global competition. Trump recently said the United States would have to do “something” about Greenland, warning that Russia and China could expand their presence in the Arctic if Washington did not act.

He said the US would prefer to make a deal “the easy way” but would be prepared to act “the hard way” if necessary.

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Bill introduced in US House

US Congressman Randy Fine has introduced a bill titled the “Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act” in the US House of Representatives. The legislation would authorise the US President to pursue all necessary means to bring Greenland into the American Union.

Fine announced the introduction of the bill in a post on X, linking the proposal to concerns over national security and rival powers’ influence in the Arctic. He said the legislation was aimed at preventing US adversaries from establishing a foothold in the region.

“Huge News! Today, I am proud to introduce the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act,” Fine said. “Our adversaries are trying to establish a foothold in the Arctic, and we can’t let that happen.”

National security argument

Fine argued that acquiring Greenland would help prevent Russia and China from controlling the Arctic region and would strengthen America’s northern defences. He said control of Greenland was central to maintaining US security interests.

“By acquiring Greenland, we would prevent our adversaries from controlling the Arctic Region and secure our northern flank from Russia and China,” he said. The lawmaker echoed claims made by President Trump, who has repeatedly warned that inaction by the US could allow rival powers to expand their influence close to American territory.

Details of proposed legislation

According to the bill, the US President would be authorised to seek negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark to annexe or otherwise acquire Greenland as a US territory. Following any acquisition, the President would be required to submit a report to Congress outlining changes to federal law needed to admit Greenland as a US state.

The admission would be contingent on Greenland adopting a constitution that is republican in form and consistent with the US Constitution. Fine said the measure was part of a broader effort to restore American strength and influence globally.

In an official press release, the Florida congressman described Greenland as a “vital national security asset” and warned that control of the island would determine dominance over key Arctic shipping lanes.

“Whoever controls Greenland controls key Arctic shipping lanes and the security architecture protecting the United States,” he said.

Reactions and background

Greenland is the world’s largest island and is a self-governing territory within Denmark. It is also a NATO partner of the United States. Danish and Greenlandic leaders have repeatedly rejected any suggestion that the island could be sold or annexed, stating that Greenland’s future must be decided by its own people.

Trump, however, reiterated his position earlier on Saturday, saying the US could not allow Russia or China to gain influence over Greenland. “We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,” he said.