Donald Trump says US 'has to have Greenland' - people are confused

Donald Trump has doubled down on his plan to 'take over' Greenland, claiming in a bizarre speech that his administration 'needs' the self-governing territory.

The US president expressed interest in the region back in March - months after being reinstated into the White House for a second term - sending Vice President JD Vance overseas to check out a naval base situated there.

79-year-old Trump later claimed he wouldn't rule out using force to take over the area.

His plans would undoubtedly affect the Inuit civilians who have lived in the area for thousands of years, along with those who have called Greenland their home since as early as the 10th century.

In May, reports emerged claiming that the US had been intensifying spying efforts in Greenland.

JD Vance was sent to Greenland back in March (Jim Watson - Pool/Getty Images)

As a result, Denmark's leaders claimed they'd summon the US ambassador for clarification.

By the time October had rolled around, however, Trump's team appeared to have lost interest.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen noted during a meeting in her country's parliament at the time: "Right now, it seems far away. There is perhaps a feeling that we can breathe a sigh of relief."

Despite this, Trump reiterated his original plan at a Florida press conference on Monday (22 December), a day after appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, which is technically situated within the Kingdom of Denmark.

"We need it for national protection," the president said, going on to claim that Americans have been exploring Greenland for as many as three centuries - a bizarre assertion with no factual backing.

In fact, US involvement began in the 19th century - yonks behind everyone else.

"They say that Denmark was there 300 years ago or something with a boat," Trump continued. "Well, we were there with boats too, I’m sure. So we’ll have to work it all out."

The politician went on to allege that his hopes for Greenland weren't hinged on the extraction of the country's mineral wealth, but to use it to counter the influence of both Russia and China, who he claimed have ships in the region.

Trump also incorrectly claimed that Denmark wasn't supporting the territory, despite Danish officials having pledged a multi-year investment package of $253 million ($187.7m) for Greenland back in September.

Responding to his claims, the Danish Prime Minister and her Greenlandic counterpart, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, hit back in a fiery statement.

"We have said it before. Now, we say it again: national borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law," the pair insisted. "They are fundamental principles."

Greenland and Denmark's prime ministers issued a joint statement (Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

They added: "You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security."

Trump's latest comments have sparked a mixed reaction from onlookers - though it appears the most prominent feeling is confusion.

"God damn it. Who reminded him that Greenland exists?" one Reddit user jibed.

Another questioned: "So he can name it Trumpland?"

One outraged social media user went on to hit out: "Your not getting Greenland you don't get to have a country just cause you want it."

A fourth noted: "I truly think he wants to take over the world."