January 16, 2026 | 12:37 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - United States President Donald Trump has once again triggered geopolitical controversy after publicly expressing his desire for the United States to acquire Greenland, even suggesting that such a move could be pursued “by any means necessary.”
Trump argued that control over the autonomous Danish territory is critical to US national security, citing increased activity by Russia and China in the Arctic region.
He claimed that failure by Washington to act would allow the two powers to gain dominance over the strategically important territory.
The statement has raised alarm among observers and is being taken seriously by foreign policy experts.
Rachmat Yuliantoro, a professor of international relations at Gadjah Mada University, said the discourse surrounding Greenland goes beyond political rhetoric and signals a potentially destabilizing shift in global politics.
“Geographically, Greenland is indeed strategically important for US defense systems, future shipping routes, and access to critical minerals,” Rachmat said on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
“However, the idea of ‘acquiring’ the territory is clearly unrealistic and carries serious risks.”
According to Rachmat, Trump’s remarks reflect his provocative and unpredictable political style, but they are not without geopolitical calculation. He described the statement as part of a broader bargaining tactic aimed at multiple audiences.
Domestically, Rachmat said, Trump seeks to project the image of a strong leader safeguarding America’s strategic interests.
Toward US allies, particularly Denmark, the message functions as pressure to align more closely with Washington’s security agenda in the Arctic.
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