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Trump Weighs Military Option to Take Greenland, Europe Unites Behind Denmark
Summary: US President Donald Trump has openly discussed multiple options - including possible military action - to bring Greenland under American control, calling it vital for US national security. The move has triggered a united European response in support of Denmark, raising fresh concerns over NATO unity and Arctic geopolitics.
White House Confirms Greenland Is a US ‘National Security Priority’
The White House has officially confirmed that President Donald Trump and his top advisers are actively discussing different ways to acquire Greenland, including the possible use of the US military.
Speaking to the BBC, the White House said acquiring Greenland is considered a national security priority, as global competition in the Arctic intensifies.
“Utilizing the US military is always an option at the Commander-in-Chief’s disposal,” the White House stated.
Why Greenland Is So Important to the United States
Greenland has become a major geopolitical focus due to its strategic Arctic location and vast untapped resources.
Key reasons behind US interest include:
- Control over critical Arctic shipping routes
- Access to rare earth minerals
- Countering growing Russian and Chinese influence
- Existing US military base on the island
As Arctic ice melts, Greenland’s importance in global trade and defence planning has increased sharply.
Trump Says America ‘Needs’ Greenland for Security
This remark immediately triggered diplomatic outrage in Europe, especially in Denmark, which still controls Greenland’s defence and foreign policy.
Trump had earlier warned that the US would “go as far as we have to go” to gain control of the island.
European Leaders Issue Strong Joint Statement Backing Denmark
In response, leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark released a powerful joint statement.
They declared:
- “Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations.”
The leaders also stressed that Arctic security must be handled collectively by NATO allies, not through unilateral action.
Denmark Warns US Action Would Destroy NATO Unity
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a blunt warning, saying that any military action by the US against Greenland would effectively end NATO as we know it.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are needed urgently to clear “serious misunderstandings”.
US Officials Divided on How Greenland Could Be Acquired
While the White House refused to rule out force, other US officials struck a more cautious tone.
- A senior US official told Reuters that options include purchasing Greenland or forming a Compact of Free Association
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly told lawmakers the US does not plan to invade
- Trump adviser Stephen Miller openly stated that the US government believes Greenland “should be part of the US”
When asked about military force, Miller said:
“Nobody’s going to fight the US over the future of Greenland.”
Greenland’s Prime Minister Calls for Respectful Dialogue
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed Europe’s support and urged calm.
“The dialogue must take place with respect for international law and Greenland’s territorial integrity,” he said.
Greenland has enjoyed extensive self-rule since 1979, though defence and foreign policy remain under Denmark.
Greenlanders Fear Becoming the Next Global Flashpoint
Among ordinary citizens, Trump’s remarks have created deep anxiety.
Morgan Angaju, a 27-year-old Inuit resident, said:
“It’s terrifying to hear powerful leaders talk about us like land to be claimed. Kalaallit Nunaat means the land of the Greenlandic people.”
Many fear Greenland could face pressure similar to Venezuela, where US forces recently seized President Nicolás Maduro during a dramatic intervention.
Independence Favoured, But Not Joining the US
While most Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, opinion polls show strong opposition to becoming part of the United States.
Greenland’s population is just 57,000, yet the island has become a major battleground in global power politics.
Trump’s Greenland Idea Is Not New
Trump first raised the idea of acquiring Greenland in 2019, calling it a “large real estate deal.”
At the time, the idea was widely mocked. Today, with rising Arctic tensions, it has returned as a serious geopolitical issue.
What This Means for NATO and Global Stability
Experts warn that any aggressive US move against Greenland could:
- Damage NATO unity
- Undermine international law
- Increase Arctic militarisation
- Push Europe closer together against Washington
For now, diplomacy continues - but the situation remains tense.
Greenland,US,NATO,Donald Trump,
Arctic Geopolitics
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