Trump Revives Greenland Acquisition Push, Says Use of Force Remains an Option: White House

Written with experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, this report examines the renewed US push on Greenland, its strategic implications, and the international response.

US President Donald Trump has once again thrust Greenland onto Washington’s foreign policy agenda, with the White House confirming that his administration is actively exploring multiple pathways to acquire the Arctic island. Officials emphasized that while diplomatic options are being discussed, the potential use of the US military has not been ruled out.

In a statement to news agency Reuters, the White House said Trump views Greenland as a critical national security priority, particularly amid intensifying geopolitical competition in the Arctic region. The administration argued that the island’s strategic location makes it increasingly important for safeguarding US interests.

“The president and his team are considering a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy objective,” the White House said, adding that the US military is “always an option” available to the commander-in-chief if circumstances demand it.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark with a population of approximately 57,000, has consistently rejected any proposal to become part of the United States. Denmark, which retains control over the island’s foreign and defense policy, has also repeatedly stated that Greenland is not for sale.

Despite firm opposition from both Greenlandic and Danish authorities, Trump has not softened his stance. The renewed remarks signal that annexation or deeper US control remains a live issue within the administration’s strategic thinking.

Following Trump’s latest comments, Greenland announced that it, along with Denmark, has requested a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to seek clarity on Washington’s intentions.

Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said in a Facebook post that the purpose of the proposed meeting is to address what she described as “significant statements” made by the United States regarding Greenland.

“It has so far not been possible for US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to meet with the Greenlandic government, despite repeated requests at the ministerial level throughout 2025 from both the Greenlandic and Danish governments,” Motzfeldt stated.

What Are the Options for Acquiring Greenland?

According to the White House, Trump and his senior advisors are examining several potential routes to achieve their objective. These discussions are reportedly taking place at the highest levels, including within the Oval Office.

A senior US official told Reuters that one option under consideration is the outright purchase of Greenland, though no potential price has been disclosed publicly. Another possibility is the establishment of a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with Greenland.

Under a COFA arrangement, Greenland would not become part of the United States but Washington would gain significant authority over defense and foreign policy matters, similar to agreements the US maintains with certain Pacific island nations.

The official added that despite strong statements of support for Greenland’s sovereignty from NATO allies, Trump’s interest in the island has not diminished. “It’s not going away,” the official said, underscoring the president’s determination to pursue the issue during the remaining years of his term.

Trump Sees Greenland as a Strategic Arctic Outpost

Administration officials say Trump views Greenland as a vital strategic outpost, particularly as china and Russia expand their presence and influence in the Arctic. The island’s geographic position, they argue, makes it central to monitoring and deterring rival powers in the region.

“Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place,” Trump has claimed in recent remarks, suggesting that Denmark lacks the capacity to adequately protect the territory on its own.

“We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security,” Trump said, adding that the island is essential for US defense interests in the Arctic.

“There is no doubt that we need Greenland. We need it for defense,” Trump reiterated in an interview with The Atlantic, reinforcing his long-held view that control over the island is crucial to America’s strategic future.