WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump and his advisers are actively discussing how the United States might acquire Greenland, with use of the US military described as “always an option,” according to the White House.
Officials said Trump sees control of the Danish autonomous territory as vital to US national security and deterring rivals in the Arctic. However, Greenland’s leaders and Denmark have consistently rejected any plan to transfer sovereignty, and major European powers have voiced strong opposition
Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland follows a controversial US military operation in Venezuela, which has heightened his focus on strategic geography. The White House statement made clear that acquiring Greenland ranks high on the administration’s foreign policy agenda, although diplomacy remains the preferred starting point. A senior official said options under review include purchasing the island outright or creating a Compact of Free Association that stops short of full US governance.
European Pushback and NATO Concerns
European leaders from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland and the United Kingdom issued a joint declaration affirming that Greenland “belongs to its people,” and that its future should be decided by Denmark and Greenland themselves. They stressed that Arctic security should be handled collaboratively with NATO allies under shared principles including respect for territorial sovereignty. Canadian officials also expressed support for Danish authority over Greenland.
Even within the US political sphere, some lawmakers and officials have downplayed the likelihood of military action, calling such talk unrealistic and urging a diplomatic approach.
Despite the dispute, Trump’s team insists the issue will remain on the agenda during the remainder of his term, driven by interest in Greenland’s mineral resources and strategic position amid rising Arctic competition from Russia and China.
