Ask Onix
White House confirms discussions on Greenland acquisition
The Trump administration has acknowledged considering multiple strategies, including military action, to secure Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, citing national security priorities.
European allies rally behind Denmark
Hours after the White House statement, leaders from seven European nations-including the UK, France, and Germany-issued a joint declaration affirming Greenland's sovereignty. The statement emphasized that only Denmark and Greenland's people hold authority over the island's future, urging respect for the UN Charter's principles on territorial integrity.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned earlier that any U.S. aggression would fracture NATO, the transatlantic military alliance where members pledge mutual defense.
U.S. officials clarify stance amid backlash
White House spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that President Trump and his team are evaluating "a range of options" to advance the acquisition, with military action remaining a theoretical possibility. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in a classified briefing that an invasion was not under consideration, instead suggesting a potential purchase, according to reports by the Wall Street Journal and other outlets.
A State Department representative later stated the U.S. seeks "lasting commercial ties" benefiting both Americans and Greenlanders, while expressing shared concerns with Denmark and NATO allies over rising Arctic activity by "common adversaries."
Greenlanders reject U.S. claims
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the European statement, calling for dialogue grounded in international law. Public opinion polls show overwhelming opposition to U.S. annexation, despite most Greenlanders supporting eventual independence from Denmark.
"It's terrifying to hear the leader of the free world laugh at Denmark and Greenland, treating us like property to claim. We already belong to the Greenlandic people-Kalaallit Nunaat means 'the land of the Greenlandic people.'"
Morgan Angaju, 27, Ilulissat resident
Greenland, home to 57,000 people, has governed its domestic affairs since 1979 but relies on Denmark for defense and foreign policy. The U.S. already operates a military base on the island.
Strategic interests drive U.S. focus
Trump revived the idea of acquiring Greenland in 2019, framing it as a "large real estate deal." The Arctic's melting ice has heightened global interest in the island's untapped rare earth minerals and potential trade routes. Russia and China have also increased their Arctic presence, amplifying U.S. concerns.
An unnamed U.S. official told Reuters that options under discussion include purchasing Greenland outright or establishing a Compact of Free Association, similar to agreements with Pacific nations. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) told the BBC that Europe should recognize "a strong America benefits Western civilization."
Historical context and escalating tensions
The debate resurfaced after the U.S. military's intervention in Venezuela, where elite forces detained President Nicolás Maduro on drug and weapons charges. Days later, Katie Miller-wife of senior Trump aide Stephen Miller-posted a social media map of Greenland colored like the U.S. flag with the word "SOON."
When pressed by CNN on whether the U.S. would rule out force, Stephen Miller replied, "Nobody's going to fight the U.S. over Greenland's future." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously stated the Pentagon maintains "plans for any contingency" regarding the territory.
