The White House has officially confirmed that President Donald Trump is actively exploring avenues to acquire Greenland, with administration officials acknowledging that military force remains among the potential options under consideration. This revival of Trump’s territorial ambitions has sparked immediate international concern and diplomatic tensions.
According to White House statements released Tuesday, the administration views control of Greenland as a critical national security priority essential for countering adversarial interests in the increasingly strategic Arctic region. While emphasizing that diplomatic solutions remain the preferred approach, officials explicitly noted that “utilizing the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal.”
The administration’s considerations include two primary approaches: an outright purchase of the territory from Denmark or establishing a Compact of Free Association that would stop short of full incorporation into the United States. Senior officials, speaking anonymously about internal deliberations, characterized Trump as fundamentally a dealmaker who would prefer negotiated acquisition.
This initiative has encountered immediate resistance from multiple fronts. Greenland itself has consistently expressed no desire to become part of the United States, while European powers and Canada have rallied behind the Arctic territory’s right to self-determination. The suggestion of military action against Denmark, a longstanding NATO ally, has raised concerns about potential shock waves through the alliance and further deterioration of US-European relations.
Congressional leaders from both parties have expressed opposition, with the Senate NATO Observer Group co-chairs emphasizing that the United States must respect Danish sovereignty when Greenland clearly indicates it is not for sale. The administration maintains that Greenland’s mineral resources, crucial for high-tech and military applications, justify the pursuit despite political and diplomatic challenges.
The renewed interest in Greenland follows Trump’s recent foreign policy actions in the Western Hemisphere, including the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which has apparently emboldened the administration’s approach to territorial matters. Officials indicate that acquiring Greenland remains a persistent goal for Trump’s remaining term in office.