US President Donald Trump has once again stirred global debate by reviving his long-standing ambition to bring Greenland under American control. On Tuesday, 6th January, the White House confirmed that Trump is actively exploring different ways to acquire the Arctic island, including the possible use of the US military, despite strong objections from Europe and Canada.
According to a White House statement, Trump sees Greenland as a key national security priority for the United States, especially in the face of growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic region. “Acquiring Greenland is important to deter our adversaries in the Arctic,” the statement said.
ALL EYES ON GREENLAND: The White House says President Trump views acquiring Greenland as a national security priority and that the use of the U.S. military has not been ruled out:
“The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign… pic.twitter.com/bGfZzdSM3q
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 6, 2026
Officials also made it clear that no option is off the table. “The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this foreign policy goal, and using the US military is always an option available to the commander-in-chief,” the White House said.
Strong opposition from Greenland and Europe
Greenland has repeatedly stated that it has no interest in becoming part of the United States. European leaders echoed that position on Tuesday, 6th January, with several countries publicly backing Greenland and stressing that the territory belongs to its people.
A military takeover of Greenland would be a dramatic move, as the island is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a long-time US ally and a fellow NATO member. Any such action would likely send shockwaves through the NATO alliance and further strain Trump’s already tense relationship with European leaders.
Despite the backlash, Trump appears undeterred. His renewed focus on Greenland comes at a time when he is projecting American strength more aggressively on the global stage.
Momentum after Maduro’s capture
Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland follows the US operation last weekend that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Emboldened by that move, Trump has openly declared that “American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again.”
Since then, he has also increased pressure on countries like Colombia and Cuba, while bringing Greenland back into the spotlight after months of relative silence on the issue. Trump had first floated the idea of acquiring Greenland in 2019 during his first term, but the proposal was shelved after widespread criticism.
What options are on the table?
A senior US official, speaking anonymously, said Trump and his advisers are considering several possible paths. These include an outright purchase of Greenland from Denmark or entering into a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the territory.
Under a COFA arrangement, Greenland would remain self-governing but align closely with the US on defence and economic matters. However, this would fall short of Trump’s stated goal of making Greenland a formal part of the United States. The official did not disclose any possible purchase price.
“Diplomacy is always the president’s first choice,” the official said. “He loves deals. If a good deal can be made to acquire Greenland, that would be his natural instinct.”
Rubio downplays invasion fears
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has attempted to calm nerves in Washington. During a classified briefing for congressional leaders on Monday, Rubio reportedly said that recent statements about Greenland did not signal an imminent military invasion. Instead, he emphasised that the administration’s goal remains to purchase the island from Denmark.
The Wall Street Journal first reported Rubio’s remarks. However, even this clarification failed to ease concerns among lawmakers.
Congress pushes back
Several members of Congress, including some Republicans, have openly questioned the administration’s stance. Lawmakers pointed out that Denmark has been a loyal US ally for decades.
In a joint statement, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who co-chair the Senate NATO Observer Group, said the US must respect Denmark’s sovereignty. “When Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honour its treaty obligations,” they said.
Why Greenland matters to Washington
Administration officials argue that Greenland is strategically important due to its large deposits of minerals needed for advanced technology and military equipment. These resources remain largely untapped because of limited infrastructure, harsh conditions, and labour shortages.
Still, officials insist Trump’s interest is not fading anytime soon. “It’s not going away,” one official said, adding that the president intends to keep pushing the issue during the remainder of his term.
