President Trump has once again stirred both controversy and curiosity with his latest move — declaring his intention to bring Greenland into the United States fold, “one way or the other.” 

The statement, delivered during a speech to Congress on Tuesday, came just a week before Greenland’s citizens are set to vote in parliamentary elections. 

Trump at first struck a diplomatic tone in his comments on the Danish territory. “We strongly support your right to determine your own future, and if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America,” he said. “We will keep you safe. We will make you rich. And together we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before.”

But the narrative quickly shifted as Mr. Trump openly admitted his administration’s ambition to acquire Greenland from Denmark, one of Europe’s most steadfast American allies. “We need it really for international world security,” he said. “And I think we’re going to get it. One way or the other, we’re going to get it.”