John Bolton backs Trump over Greenland take over

In a rare alignment with President Donald Trump, former National Security Adviser John Bolton has voiced strong support for the United States acquiring Greenland, due to its strategic value to national security. Speaking in an interview with NPR, Bolton argued that bringing Greenland under American control would significantly bolster U.S. defense capabilities in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

“Making Greenland an American territory or commonwealth could help with security interests of critical importance to the U.S. and allies in fending off potential threats from adversaries like Russia and China,” Bolton said.

This statement comes as Trump has repeatedly revived discussions this year about taking control of Greenland, calling it a “necessary move for national security” in recent speeches. The idea has sparked international concern, particularly in Denmark, which governs Greenland.

Bolton and Trump: Unlikely Agreement Amid Years of Tension

While Bolton and Trump now appear to share a strategic vision for Greenland, their relationship has long been defined by deep divisions. Bolton, a well-known foreign policy hawk, frequently clashed with Trump on issues including Iran, North Korea, and Russia. In 2019, Bolton was forced out of his role as National Security Adviser after repeated policy disagreements.

Tensions between the two resurfaced last month when Trump abruptly revoked Bolton’s Secret Service protection, which had been in place due to credible threats against his life from Iran.

“I was not surprised, but I think it’s a bad signal to others who might be threatened by regimes like Iran,” Bolton said after the decision.

Greenland as a Strategic Battleground

Bolton emphasized that U.S. control over Greenland would strengthen America’s military positioning in the Arctic, particularly against growing Russian and Chinese influence in the region.

“Greenland is a critical point in the North Atlantic, and its location is vital for our defense posture,” he told NPR.

Trump has echoed similar sentiments in recent speeches, arguing that Greenland’s natural resources, location, and military potential make it a key target for U.S. expansion. His rhetoric has alarmed Danish officials, who have firmly rejected any suggestion of ceding Greenland.