Donald Trump has revived his long-standing ambition to bring Greenland under U.S. control. Now, the White House has openly stated that military force remains among the options under consideration. Framed as a national security priority tied to Arctic defense and competition with Russia and China, the idea has triggered a sharp backlash from Europe and renewed debate in Washington.
Denmark, Greenland and major European allies responded with an unusually firm show of unity. They’re insisting that Greenland’s future can be decided only by its own people and the Danish kingdom. Danish officials rejected Trump’s claims about Chinese and Russian activity around the island and emphasized the significant investments already made to secure the territory. Greenland’s government requested urgent talks with U.S. officials to address what it called misleading assertions about the region.
The rhetoric has raised concerns about the stability of Nato itself. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any U.S. attack on a Nato ally would fundamentally undermine the alliance and postwar European security. European leaders who once treated Trump’s interest in Greenland as a curiosity now view it more seriously. Especially after the recent U.S. operation against Venezuela signaled a greater willingness to use force abroad.
Pushback and High Stakes
Within the United States, reactions have been mixed. Some Trump advisers and allies played down the likelihood of military action, suggesting a purchase would be preferable and noting Greenland’s status as a Nato partner. Others argued that Trump routinely keeps all options on the table. Democrats, however, cautioned that the threats should not be dismissed, with lawmakers proposing legislation to block funding for any military move against Greenland.
Strategically located between North America and Russia and rich in untapped resources, Greenland has become more significant as climate change reshapes Arctic geopolitics. Yet both Greenlandic leaders and U.S. public opinion remain firmly opposed to a takeover. The situation is present as Trump’s push to acquire the island as a source of growing diplomatic strain rather than a clear path forward.
Reference
Gambino, L. (2026, January 7). White House says using US military is ‘always an option’ for seizing Greenland. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/06/trump-greenland-control-us-military?utm_term=695debd41a1aaef4110ebdcce978a746&utm_campaign=GuardianTodayUK&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=GTUK_email