The White House confirmed on Tuesday that Donald Trump is actively discussing options to acquire Greenland, including the potential use of the US military. This revives an ambition first raised during his previous term.
Reuters reported that according to an official White House statement, Trump views Greenland as a critical national security asset, particularly amid rising geopolitical competition in the Arctic. The administration argues that control of, or strategic alignment with, the island would help the United States deter adversaries. It would also strengthen its presence in a region that is drawing increased attention from Russia and China.
“The president and his team are reviewing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy objective,” the statement said. It added that military action remains among the tools constitutionally available to the commander-in-chief.
Trump discussing how to acquire Greenland, US military always an option, White House says https://t.co/HRGVOocgtZ https://t.co/HRGVOocgtZ
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 7, 2026Greenland’s leadership has repeatedly rejected joining the United States, stressing that the territory belongs to its people. On Tuesday, political leaders across Europe and Canada echoed that stance. They voiced support for Greenland and reaffirmed its ties to Denmark.
Any attempt by Washington to forcibly seize Greenland from Denmark would mark an unprecedented move against a longstanding ally. This would likely trigger a major crisis within NATO, further straining already fragile transatlantic relations.
Despite the backlash, Trump has continued to explore ways to turn Greenland into a strategic US hub. His renewed interest follows recent foreign policy developments, including the US arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Administration officials say this has reinforced Trump’s belief in projecting American dominance across the Western Hemisphere.
#BREAKING Trump discussing 'range of options' for acquiring Greenland from NATO ally Denmark and using military 'always an option' at his disposal, White House says pic.twitter.com/KnHbqw2DCg
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 6, 2026A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the administration is evaluating multiple pathways. These include a direct purchase of Greenland or the establishment of a Compact of Free Association (COFA), a framework used by the US with certain Pacific island nations. While a COFA would stop short of full annexation, it would significantly expand Washington’s influence over Greenland’s defence and foreign policy.
“Diplomacy and deal-making remain the president’s preferred approach,” the official said, noting Trump’s inclination toward negotiated agreements if a mutually acceptable arrangement emerges.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in a classified briefing that recent rhetoric does not signal an imminent invasion. Sources familiar with the discussion say Rubio emphasised that the administration’s primary objective remains a negotiated purchase from Denmark.
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The remarks have drawn bipartisan concern in Congress. Lawmakers from both parties stressed that Denmark is a loyal NATO ally and warned that US treaty obligations must be respected. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis, co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, said Washington must honour Denmark’s sovereignty after both Copenhagen and Greenland made clear the island is not for sale.
Administration officials continue to argue that Greenland’s vast reserves of rare earths and other critical minerals make it strategically indispensable for future technology and defence supply chains. However, these resources remain largely untapped due to infrastructure gaps, labour shortages, and environmental constraints.
According to senior officials, Trump’s pursuit of Greenland is unlikely to fade. “This issue is not going away,” one adviser said. This indicates that the president intends to keep Greenland on the agenda throughout the remainder of his term.
