US Considers Options to Acquire Greenland, Including Military Use, Says White House
US President Donald Trump has been evaluating various strategies for acquiring Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark. The White House described this acquisition as a 'national security priority,' and confirmed to the BBC that the potential use of military force is one of the options under consideration. This announcement followed a statement from European leaders who expressed support for Denmark and its control over the Arctic region.
During recent discussions, President Trump reiterated the strategic necessity of Greenland for US security. This standpoint provoked a reaction from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who cautioned against any US aggression, stating it could damage NATO, of which both the US and Denmark are members. Six European countries issued a joint statement asserting that only the people of Greenland, along with Denmark, have the authority to determine their future. The leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark emphasized that Arctic security should be a collective effort within NATO.
Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, welcomed international support and highlighted the importance of dialogue grounded in respect and international law. Tensions surrounding Greenland surged after US military involvement in Venezuela, and subsequent social media remarks by associates of President Trump reignited concerns.
Greenland, home to approximately 57,000 individuals, functions with considerable self-governance, although Denmark retains control over defense and foreign policy. The sentiment in Greenland heavily favors independence from Denmark, with polls indicating strong resistance to becoming a US territory. Local voices, such as Morgan Angaju from Ilulissat, conveyed alarm over being targeted as a geopolitical objective.
In discussions with Reuters, an unnamed senior US official suggested possible routes, including the outright purchase of Greenland or establishing a formal compact.