JANUARY 11, 2026 — Donald Trump has once again stirred global headlines, this time declaring that the United States “needs to own Greenland to prevent Russia or China from occupying it in the future.” For him, military agreements aren’t enough — ownership is the only guarantee. 

“You defend ownership. You don’t defend leases," he stressed, insisting that Washington must act.

Trump added, "We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not. Because if we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we're not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor."

Greenland, with its 57,000 residents and status as an autonomous territory under Denmark, suddenly finds itself at the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war. Trump’s comments have rattled Europe, prompting Denmark and several NATO allies to issue a joint statement: only Greenland and Denmark can decide their future. 

Yet Trump and his officials continue to float ideas — from military leverage to lump-sum payments — to convince Greenlanders to break away from Denmark.

Wild logic?

Now, let’s bring this closer to home. Why should Filipinos pay attention to a faraway island in the Arctic? 

Because Trump’s rhetoric exposes a dangerous mindset: that nations can be treated like commodities, bought or annexed when convenient. 

If Greenland can be casually discussed as a potential purchase, what stops powerful countries from eyeing smaller, strategically located nations like the Philippines?

We’ve long been caught between global giants — our seas contested, our resources coveted. Imagine if one day, a foreign leader declared that the Philippines is “too important” to be left alone. Would we be next on the shopping list? 

This Greenland episode should spark serious discourse among us. How do we safeguard sovereignty when superpowers openly talk about ownership as a defense strategy?

Trump’s Greenland gamble may sound outrageous, but history has shown that outrageous ideas can morph into dangerous realities. Filipinos must stay vigilant, because sovereignty is not a mall item you can put on sale — it’s the lifeblood of a nation.

So what about you — Do you believe Trump’s logic of “owning” nations makes sense, or when push comes to shove, are you ready to stand firm in defending independence and freedom?

(Image: Yahoo)