US President Donald Trump has revived the idea of acquiring Greenland, the autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with military force among the options discussed.
The development is described in an official White House statement and detailed Reuters reporting.
What Washington said
On Tuesday, the White House confirmed that Trump and his advisers were considering a range of ways to acquire Greenland and bring it under US control.
It said using the US military was “always an option” in pursuing that strategic objective.
Diplomatic approaches under consideration include buying the territory or reaching special cooperation agreements.
Military action has not been excluded, although senior officials noted that attacking an ally's territory would have serious consequences.
Denmark, Greenland and allies respond
Danish and Greenlandic leaders have categorically rejected any change of sovereignty, insisting that Greenland is not for sale and calling for respect for international law.
European governments and allies, including France, have also voiced strong opposition, warning that an attempted takeover would destabilise NATO and the wider alliance.
The strategic interests
According to international reporting, Washington points to national security and Greenland's strategic importance, particularly amid increasing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.
The United States already maintains a military presence there, including Pituffik Space Base.
Nevertheless, open discussion of acquisition, including the possibility of military intervention, has caused serious concern among European allies.
Trump has therefore reopened the Greenland issue with all options presented as being available on national-security grounds.
Denmark, Greenland and European partners are opposing any infringement of sovereignty, with wider implications for NATO, the Arctic and US–European relations.
