The White House has declared that the United States is actively exploring options to acquire Greenland, with a spokesperson stating that the use of the US military to further this goal remains "always an option". The statement, issued on Tuesday, frames the potential acquisition as a critical national security priority for Washington.
National Security Priority in the Arctic
In response to queries from the Reuters news agency, a White House official confirmed that President Donald Trump and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue control of the vast, autonomous Danish territory. The statement emphasised that securing Greenland is considered "vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region".
The official added, "President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States. The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal."
Strategic Context and Historical Precedent
This is not the first time the notion of the US purchasing Greenland has surfaced. The Trump administration previously expressed interest in buying the island in 2019, an idea that was swiftly and firmly rejected by the Danish government, which called the suggestion "absurd".
The renewed focus underscores the growing strategic importance of the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to untapped natural resources. Both Russia and China have been increasing their economic and military activities in the region, prompting a reassessment of US strategy.
Potential Implications and Reactions
The explicit mention of the military as a potential tool for acquisition is likely to provoke strong reactions from allies and adversaries alike. Key implications include:
- Diplomatic Strain: The statement could severely test US relations with Denmark, a NATO ally.
- Geopolitical Tensions: It signals a more assertive, and potentially confrontational, US posture in the Arctic.
- Domestic Debate: The policy is expected to fuel significant debate within the United States over foreign policy objectives and resource allocation.
The White House statement follows a public appearance by Donald Trump at a House Republican retreat in Washington DC on 6 January 2026. While the remarks at the retreat were not detailed in the initial report, the subsequent statement on Greenland indicates a continued focus on expansive and unconventional foreign policy moves.
