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US weighs military, purchase options over Greenland
The United States government is weighing several options to bring Greenland under its control, including the possible use of military force, the White House has said, describing the Arctic island as a key national security interest.
A White House statement said President Donald Trump and his advisers were considering “a range of options” to pursue the goal, noting that the use of the US military remains within the president’s powers as commander-in-chief. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, a fellow Nato member.
The remarks came amid growing diplomatic tension, hours after several European countries publicly declared support for Denmark and rejected any move to alter Greenland’s status without the consent of its people.
Leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland and Denmark said Greenland’s future must be decided in line with international law and existing borders.
Meanwhile, Trump has repeatedly argued that the US needs Greenland for security reasons, citing rising strategic competition in the Arctic. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any attack on Denmark or its territory would undermine Nato itself.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, welcomed the European backing and called for dialogue rooted in respect for international law and territorial integrity. He stressed that Greenland’s status could not be dictated from outside.
According to US officials quoted by Reuters, United States government is considering options ranging from the outright purchase of Greenland to a Compact of Free Association.
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However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly told lawmakers that there were no plans to invade the island, though discussions about acquisition were ongoing.
The renewed focus on Greenland follows heightened US foreign policy actions elsewhere, including the recent military operation in Venezuela that led to the arrest of former president Nicolás Maduro.
Comments by senior Trump aides suggesting Greenland should become part of the US have further fuelled concern in Europe.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, said talks with US officials were needed to clear what he described as misunderstandings.
While most Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, opinion polls show strong opposition to becoming part of the United States.
Greenland, home to about 57,000 people, has wide self-rule but relies on Denmark for defence and foreign affairs. It already hosts a US military base and is increasingly seen as strategically important because of melting ice, rare earth resources and emerging Arctic shipping routes.
