Greenland's leader revealed that officials are preparing to handle various potential situations, not ruling out the possibility that the United States might use military force to seize the territory.
On Tuesday, 20 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen said the United States "is unlikely" to use military force to take over Greenland, but the possibility of an attack cannot be completely ruled out, as President Donald Trump continues to threaten to take control of this Danish self-governing territory.
Nielsen appeared at a press conference in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, alongside former Prime Minister Mute B. Egede, who said local officials are reviewing civilian preparedness strategies. These preparations may include asking every household to stockpile food supplies for five days.
"We must be prepared for anything that might possibly happen," said Egede, who currently serves as Greenland's Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister.
Both officials emphasized that Greenland, as part of the Kingdom of Denmark, is a member of NATO and warned that any escalation of violence would have far-reaching consequences beyond the territory's shores.
They also condemned Trump's threats, with Nielsen calling them "disrespectful," and stated that Greenland will respond only through official channels.
Currently, Trump has not ordered the Department of Defense to draft plans for invading Greenland or managing post-operation scenarios, according to two anonymous U.S. officials. Meanwhile, Greenland has not officially advised its people to begin stockpiling essential household goods.
However, Trump's insistence that the U.S. will take action regarding Greenland "whether they like it or not" has shaken the longstanding global order.
The increasingly assertive U.S. president, emboldened since the American military apprehended the Venezuelan president, has taken a hard stance on Greenland, threatening to impose tariffs on European allies to pressure them into negotiations over control of the island. As a result, Greenland is fearful, Denmark is angry, and Europe is uniting against Trump.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:nytimes