Trump Weighs Purchase or Military Options to Acquire Greenland, Allies Push Back
Updated (2 articles)
Administration Labels Greenland a National Security Priority The White House announced that President Trump is evaluating a range of options to bring Greenland under U.S. control, explicitly keeping military action on the table as a commander‑in‑chief tool[1][2]. Officials framed the island’s Arctic location as critical to deterring Russian and Chinese activity, linking the proposal to broader security goals rather than pure economics[1][2]. Options discussed include a direct purchase, a Compact of Free Association that would trade a U.S. military presence for economic benefits, and, as a last resort, forceful acquisition[1][2]. Senior officials denied any imminent invasion plan while emphasizing that “utilising the US military is always an option”[1].
European Leaders Issue Unified Rejection of U.S. Claims Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark released a joint statement asserting that Greenland belongs to its people and only Denmark and Greenland can decide its future[1]. Denmark’s foreign minister called for a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to clarify “certain misunderstandings,” underscoring diplomatic friction[1]. European officials warned that a U.S. military move could jeopardize NATO cohesion and urged collective Arctic security through the alliance[2]. The coordinated pushback frames the issue as a test of alliance norms and territorial sovereignty[1].
Greenland Residents Express Strong Opposition to U.S. Acquisition Polling cited by the BBC shows the island’s 57,000 inhabitants overwhelmingly reject any transfer of sovereignty to the United States[1]. Interviewed Greenlanders described the discussion as “terrifying” and condemned the notion of being treated as an object of purchase[1]. The population’s self‑government since 1979 fuels expectations of continued autonomy, making any external takeover politically untenable[1]. Local opposition adds a significant domestic barrier to any U.S. plan[1].
State Department Report Finds Rare Earths Yet Uncertain Economics At Rubio’s request, the State Department produced an analysis that identified untapped rare‑earth deposits in Greenland but admitted the scope of those resources remains unverified[2]. The report highlighted extreme logistical challenges, high extraction costs, and scant infrastructure as major obstacles to commercial development[2]. While resource potential provides a strategic incentive, officials caution that it does not constitute a straightforward justification for acquisition[2]. This technical caveat tempers the broader security narrative driving the renewed interest[2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
BBC: White House says Trump discussing options, including military, to acquire Greenland – Details the White House’s admission of multiple acquisition paths, the framing of Greenland as a security priority, and the strong diplomatic pushback from European allies and Greenlanders.
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[2]
CNN: White House says Trump weighing options to acquire Greenland, military option not ruled out – Highlights the same policy discussion, adds the State Department’s rare‑earth assessment, and notes bipartisan U.S. and international opposition following recent U.S. actions in Venezuela.
Timeline
2019 – President Donald Trump publicly floats the idea of buying Greenland, marking the first high‑profile U.S. claim to the Danish territory and establishing a precedent that resurfaces in 2026. [1]
2025 – U.S. elite troops seize Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a rapid operation, signaling an expansionist foreign‑policy posture that precedes the renewed focus on Greenland. [1][2]
Jan 6, 2026 – The White House announces that President Trump is “discussing a range of options” to acquire Greenland and makes clear that “utilising the US military is always an option at the commander‑in‑chief’s disposal,” elevating the issue from rhetoric to a national‑security agenda. [1][2]
Jan 6, 2026 – Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tells CNN that acquiring Greenland is a U.S. national‑security priority and that the President may consider “military options at the commander‑in‑chief’s disposal,” tying the move to broader Arctic competition. [2]
Jan 6, 2026 – Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefs congressional staff that the administration is weighing a purchase of Greenland and a possible Compact of Free Association, while downplaying any immediate prospect of a military invasion. [2]
Jan 6, 2026 – The State Department delivers a review, at Rubio’s request, that identifies untapped rare‑earth deposits in Greenland but notes the lack of reliable estimates and the extreme logistical costs of extraction, tempering the resource‑driven justification. [2]
Jan 6, 2026 – Leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark issue a joint statement that “Greenland belongs to its people,” urging collective NATO‑based Arctic security and warning that a U.S. attack could jeopardize the alliance; Denmark seeks a meeting with Secretary Rubio to resolve “certain misunderstandings.” [1]
Jan 6, 2026 – Greenlandic opinion polls show strong local opposition to any U.S. takeover; residents describe the proposal as “terrifying” and warn of economic and environmental hardships under a new colonial arrangement. [1]
Jan 6, 2026 – Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers react with backlash: Sen. Ruben Gallego pledges to introduce a resolution blocking any invasion, while Rep. Don Bacon urges colleagues to oppose the plan, underscoring domestic political resistance. [2]
Jan 7, 2026 – The White House reiterates that the President and his team continue to evaluate “multiple approaches,” including diplomatic purchase, a Compact of Free Association, and military options, framing Greenland as a strategic Arctic foothold against Russian and Chinese activity. [1][2]