WASHINGTON — The White House confirmed Tuesday that President Donald Trump is actively discussing a “range of options” to acquire Greenland, explicitly stating that utilizing U.S. military force remains on the table. The announcement has triggered sharp rebukes from European leaders, warnings of potential NATO collapse, and bipartisan concern in Congress.
“The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the Commander in Chief’s disposal,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. Trump views Greenland as a “national security priority” vital for deterring Russia and China in the Arctic.
The rhetoric follows Trump’s recent military actions in Venezuela, including the capture of Nicolás Maduro and demands for control of Venezuelan oil shipments. It revives Trump’s 2019 interest in purchasing the island, now escalated amid melting Arctic ice opening new shipping routes and access to rare earth minerals critical for technology and defense.
European and Danish Backlash
Denmark and Greenland firmly rejected the claims. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that a U.S. attack on Greenland would “end NATO,” while a joint statement from leaders including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the U.K. declared: “Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide.”
Greenland’s government requested an urgent meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Denmark has bolstered its Arctic defenses, including new naval vessels and drones.
U.S. Reactions
Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller asserted “nobody’s going to fight the United States” over Greenland. Some Republicans, like House Speaker Mike Johnson, called military action “inappropriate,” while Democrats like Sen. Ruben Gallego plan resolutions to prohibit force.
The U.S. already operates Pituffik Space Base in Greenland under agreements with Denmark. Analysts warn any seizure would shatter NATO trust and escalate Arctic tensions with Russia and China.
This developing crisis underscores Trump’s aggressive foreign policy, linking Venezuela operations to broader territorial ambitions. International observers watch closely for escalation risks.
