The administration of former US President Donald Trump has reignited a controversial foreign policy goal, openly discussing a "range of options" for the United States to acquire the vast, autonomous territory of Greenland. The White House confirmed that these options include the potential use of the US military, framing the move as a critical national security priority in the strategically vital Arctic region.
White House Confirms Strategic Ambitions
In a statement issued on Tuesday, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt responded to an inquiry by Anadolu, outlining the administration's position. "President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region," Leavitt stated. She emphasized the seriousness of the pursuit, adding, "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."
Trump's Persistent Push and International Backlash
This official confirmation follows repeated public proposals from President Trump himself. Most recently, on Sunday, just a day after a US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, Trump renewed his call for a Greenland takeover. He argued the move was essential for "national security" interests, claiming, "We need Greenland, from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it."
However, this ambition faces staunch and unequivocal opposition. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and both entities have consistently and firmly rejected any notion of a sovereignty transfer. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has directly urged Trump to "stop the threats," highlighting the diplomatic friction caused by the proposal. The people of Greenland have also repeatedly expressed their desire to remain part of the Danish realm.
Geopolitical Implications and Regional Stability
The Trump administration's overt interest in Greenland underscores the escalating geopolitical competition in the Arctic. As climate change opens new shipping routes and access to untapped natural resources, the region's strategic value has soared. The suggestion of using military leverage to facilitate a territorial acquisition is an unusually direct approach that has raised eyebrows globally. It signals a potential shift in how major powers might pursue strategic assets, moving beyond diplomatic and economic pressure. For now, the idea remains a point of contention, with the local population, the Danish government, and international observers largely viewing it as an untenable and provocative proposition.
