The United States is discussing a range of options to acquire Greenland, including the possible use of military force, the White House has said, describing control of the Arctic island as a national security priority.
The statement came amid growing pushback from Denmark and European allies after US President Donald Trump reiterated over the weekend that Washington “needs” Greenland for security reasons. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, a fellow NATO member.
A White House spokesperson said the president and his team were evaluating multiple pathways to achieve the objective, adding that the use of the US military remains an option available to the commander-in-chief.
The remarks prompted strong reactions in Europe, with several leaders issuing a joint statement backing Denmark and stressing that Greenland’s future must be decided by Denmark and Greenland alone, in line with international law and NATO principles.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly told lawmakers that Washington does not plan to invade Greenland, with alternatives such as purchasing the territory or strengthening economic and strategic ties being discussed. US officials have cited increased activity by rival powers in the Arctic as a shared concern among NATO allies.
Greenland’s leadership has called for respectful dialogue, while public opinion on the island remains firmly opposed to becoming part of the United States, despite broad support for eventual independence from Denmark.
