President Donald Trump has revived his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, with the White House confirming that advisers are actively exploring various pathways to make the Arctic territory part of the United States. This development, reported on January 6, 2026, stems from Trump’s view of Greenland as a critical national security asset to counter growing influence from Russia and China in the region. The island’s vast mineral resources, essential for high-tech and military applications, remain largely untapped due to infrastructure challenges, but Trump aims to establish American dominance in the Arctic.
A White House spokesperson stated that “the president and his team are discussing a range of options,” including diplomacy, a potential purchase from Denmark, or a Compact of Free Association similar to U.S. arrangements with Pacific nations. Notably, the statement added that “utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal.” This mention of military force has sparked immediate backlash, as Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a key NATO ally. Seizing it could fracture the alliance and isolate the U.S. internationally.
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International Backlash and Strategic Implications
Greenlandic leaders and Danish officials have firmly rejected any notion of sale or transfer, emphasizing that the territory “belongs to its people.” European powers and Canada have rallied in support, insisting only Greenland and Denmark can decide its future. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified in briefings that the primary goal is a negotiated purchase, downplaying invasion risks, while anonymous officials stressed Trump’s preference for “dealmaking.”
This echoes Trump’s 2019 proposal, which was dismissed at the time. Revived amid recent U.S. actions like the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, it underscores Trump’s expansive foreign policy vision. Critics in Congress, including bipartisan voices, urge respect for Danish sovereignty. As Arctic competition intensifies, Trump’s persistence signals potential prolonged tensions.