U.S. Considers Military Options as Greenland Acquisition Debate Intensifies
Updated January 7, 2026 at 2:35 AM EST
Amidst growing international tension, the White House has reiterated that military action remains a potential course of action in the ongoing debate over acquiring Greenland. This comes as European leaders voice strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in the island.
Since his first term, President Trump has suggested purchasing Greenland, which belongs to the kingdom of Denmark. Following recent military actions by the U.S. in Venezuela, Trump has again raised the prospect of acquiring Greenland, citing strategic importance.
“President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States,” stated White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “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.”
However, not all U.S. officials share this sentiment. Trump’s special envoy to Greenland and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson have both expressed views against military intervention. “No. I don’t think it’s appropriate,” Johnson said.
European leaders, including those from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom, joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in a statement defending Greenland’s sovereignty. “Greenland belongs to its people,” the statement asserted. “It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.”
Canada also weighed in, with Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing a visit to Greenland by the Governor General and Foreign Minister, and emphasizing that decisions about Greenland’s future rest with the Danish people.
U.S. special envoy to Greenland, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, expressed interest in direct discussions with Greenlanders rather than negotiating with Danish or European officials. “I want to talk to people who want an opportunity to improve the quality of life in Greenland,” Landry said, adding that he has been in contact with some Greenlanders already.
White House Holds Firm
Despite international pushback, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller reaffirmed the U.S. interest in Greenland, suggesting that its acquisition is key to national security against rising threats from Russia and China in the Arctic. “The president has been clear for months now that the United States should be the nation that has Greenland as part of our overall security apparatus,” Miller stated.
Denmark and Greenland’s leaders have firmly rejected these claims, maintaining that Greenland’s security and governance are not within U.S. jurisdiction. Trump insists, “It’s so strategic right now,” citing the presence of Russian and Chinese vessels in the Arctic.
Miller questioned Denmark’s territorial claim over Greenland but dismissed the idea of a military confrontation, saying, “There is no need to even think or talk about this in the context that you are asking, of a military operation.”
Strategic Importance of Greenland
Greenland’s strategic location has long been valued by the U.S., particularly for defense purposes. The U.S. operates the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, critical for missile warning and defense operations. Greenland also holds significant deposits of rare earth minerals and potential offshore oil and gas reserves.
The GIUK Gap, encompassing Greenland, Iceland, and the United Kingdom, is a strategic point for monitoring Russian naval movements.
Rising Tensions and Concerns
Tensions escalated after a social media post by Katie Miller, Stephen Miller’s wife, hinted at U.S. intentions toward Greenland. Danish officials now view the situation as a serious threat, with Prime Minister Frederiksen warning of potential repercussions on NATO alliances.
U.S. lawmakers urged restraint, with the Congressional Friends of Denmark Caucus stating, “Sabre-rattling about annexing Greenland is needlessly dangerous.” They emphasized existing U.S. access to Greenland for defense purposes under agreements with Denmark.
Security expert Ulrik Pram Gad questioned the portrayal of Russian and Chinese activity in the region, noting that such vessels are not visible from Greenland.
Copyright 2026 NPR
—
Read More Michigan News
