President Donald Trump labeled Greenland's preference for Denmark a "big problem" on Tuesday, escalating a fresh diplomatic row just weeks into his second term. The Arctic island's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen publicly declared loyalty to Denmark and NATO over U.S. overtures during a Copenhagen press conference, prompting Trump's sharp rebuke. This standoff revives Trump's long-held ambition to secure Greenland for strategic reasons, but risks fracturing key alliances.

Greenland's leadership made their position crystal clear: if choosing between superpowers today, they pick Denmark. Nielsen, speaking alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, rejected any notion of U.S. control, highlighting NATO's defense umbrella over Trump's dismissive quips about Greenland's capabilities. The territory has enjoyed self-rule under Danish sovereignty since 1953, managing domestic issues while relying on Copenhagen for foreign affairs and security. Locals fear annexation threats could upend this balance, with many voicing, "We do not want to be Americans."

Trump doubled down over the weekend, insisting the U.S. will acquire Greenland "one way or another" to counter Russia and China's Arctic moves. His administration points to vast rare earth minerals and military positioning as must-haves, echoing his first-term purchase pitch that Denmark flatly refused. High-level talks loom, with VP JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting Danish and Greenlandic officials soon. Trump shrugged off the pushback: "That's their problem."

This feud could strain NATO unity, as Denmark warns aggressive U.S. actions might shatter the alliance. U.S. minerals demand makes Greenland's resources tempting, yet experts note negotiation beats coercion—offering investment without sovereignty loss. Bipartisan lawmakers are moving to bar military force against allies, drawing parallels to the 1917 U.S. purchase of the Virgin Islands from Denmark. As Arctic competition heats up, de-escalation via talks remains the hoped-for path, though Trump's tone suggests otherwise.