US Considers Greenland Acquisition, Citing Strategic Importance
The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is exploring multiple options to acquire Greenland, including the potential use of military force, citing national security concerns. The semi-autonomous Arctic territory is part of Denmark, a fellow NATO member.
According to the White House, Greenland represents a “national security priority,” and the President and his administration are reviewing a range of approaches to secure American interests. “Utilizing the US military is always an option at the Commander-in-Chief’s disposal,” the statement added.
The announcement comes amid strong European support for Denmark’s sovereignty. Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark issued a joint statement emphasizing that Greenland belongs to its people and that any decisions regarding its future must be made by Denmark and Greenland. They also stressed that Arctic security should be pursued collectively through NATO, while upholding international law, territorial integrity, and inviolable borders.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the statement, calling for a “respectful dialogue” rooted in international law and the principle of territorial integrity.
Interest in Greenland has resurfaced following recent US military interventions abroad. Some US officials have floated ideas ranging from purchasing the island from Denmark to establishing a Compact of Free Association, though there is no official plan for military action.
Greenland, home to around 57,000 people, has enjoyed extensive self-rule since 1979, though Denmark controls defense and foreign affairs. While many Greenlanders support eventual independence, public sentiment strongly opposes becoming part of the United States.
The island holds significant strategic and economic value, including untapped rare earth minerals and potential Arctic trade routes as ice coverage recedes. Analysts suggest US interest may be partly driven by increasing activity from Russia and China in the Arctic region.
Republican lawmakers have emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland for national security, while Danish officials are seeking direct talks with US authorities to clarify Washington’s intentions.
President Trump first suggested acquiring Greenland during his 2019 term, describing it as a potential “large real estate deal,” and reiterated the strategic significance of the island in subsequent statements. The issue has sparked both local protests in Greenland and international debate on sovereignty and Arctic security.
