> At a Glance
> – The White House says acquiring Greenland is a “national security priority” that could involve U.S. military action
> – Denmark and six NATO allies vow to defend Greenland’s sovereignty
> – Options include purchase, free association agreement, or military action
> – Why it matters: The dispute could reshape Arctic security and strain NATO alliances
The Trump administration has escalated its push to bring Greenland under U.S. control, with the White House declaring it a national security imperative and acknowledging military options are under consideration.
White House Position
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated:
> “President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region.”
The administration is weighing multiple approaches:
- Purchase from Denmark
- Creating a compact of free association
- U.S. military action
Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy, told CNN:
> “It’s the formal position of the Trump administration that Greenland should be part of the United States.”
NATO Allies Respond
The leaders of France, Germany, Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark issued a joint statement declaring:
> “Greenland belongs to its people.”
The allies emphasized that Denmark and Greenland alone hold decision-making authority. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned:
> “If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops.”
Historical Context
The U.S. has maintained a military base in Greenland for decades. A 1916 agreement saw America promise not to object to Danish control of Greenland in exchange for purchasing the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Trump has expressed interest in Greenland for months, citing its strategic location and mineral resources. He told NBC News he was “very serious” about acquisition.
Key Takeaways
- The White House explicitly lists military action as a potential option for acquiring Greenland
- Seven NATO allies have pledged to defend Greenland’s sovereignty
- The U.S. has similar free association agreements with Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau
- Denmark considers any military action against Greenland an attack on a NATO member
- The dispute could test NATO’s mutual defense commitments
The administration’s hardline stance on Greenland acquisition could reshape Arctic geopolitics and strain transatlantic alliances.
