The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is actively exploring “a range of options” to acquire Greenland, including potential military deployment, characterizing the territorial acquisition as a “national security priority.” This development follows Trump’s weekend remarks emphasizing America’s strategic “need” for the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
The administration’s position was reinforced by Senior Advisor Stephen Miller, who declared Greenland’s incorporation into the United States as official U.S. policy. Miller asserted American military supremacy within NATO, stating “Nobody’s going to fight the US over the future of Greenland” when questioned about potential forcible annexation.
European powers have responded with unprecedented unity. Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain issued a joint statement firmly supporting Danish sovereignty. “Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations,” the statement read, while emphasizing collective NATO approaches to Arctic security and upholding UN Charter principles of territorial integrity.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a stark warning that any U.S. military action against Greenland would effectively terminate the NATO alliance. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed European support while calling for “respectful dialogue” grounded in international law.
The current geopolitical tension traces back to Trump’s 2024 campaign trail where he first floated acquiring the strategically vital Arctic territory. Greenland’s significance has grown substantially due to climate change opening new shipping routes and increasing Russian and Chinese interest in the region. The administration’s renewed push follows controversial U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with Trump’s inner circle openly signaling Greenland ambitions through social media posts featuring the territory adorned with American flag colors.