Greenland, the world’s largest island, has once again captured global attention as the White House signals that all options—including military action—remain on the table in President Donald Trump’s push to bring the Arctic territory under U.S. control. Its strategic location and rich natural resources make it a critical asset for both defense and international influence.
Sitting off the northeastern coast of Canada, more than two-thirds of Greenland lies within the Arctic Circle, giving it a key role in North American defense and in monitoring Arctic waters.
U.S. Signals Strategic Priority
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that Trump considers acquiring Greenland a national security priority. “It’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region,” she said. “The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander in chief’s disposal.”
Trump first floated the idea of purchasing Greenland during his first term, but the plan gained renewed attention following a U.S. operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump argues that U.S. control over Greenland is needed to counter rising Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.
Despite the hard-line language, some officials have downplayed the idea of military intervention. Trump’s special envoy to Greenland, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller both suggested direct action wouldn’t be necessary. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson also called the idea “not appropriate.”
Allies Push Back on U.S. Claims
The White House statements were met with swift international opposition. Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in affirming that Greenland “belongs to its people.” Only Denmark and Greenland have the authority to determine the island’s future.
Canada also expressed support, with Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing that Governor General Mary Simon, who is of Inuit descent, and Foreign Minister Anita Anand will visit Greenland next month. “The future of Greenland and Denmark are decided solely by the people of Denmark,” Carney said alongside Frederiksen.
Landry, meanwhile, emphasized his desire to engage directly with Greenland residents rather than Danish or European officials. He joked on a radio show that Greenlanders’ love of hunting and fishing reminded him of Louisiana, calling it “culinary diplomacy.”
Greenland’s Strategic and Economic Importance
Greenland has long been a critical site for U.S. and NATO defense. The Pituffik Space Base, built under a 1951 agreement with Denmark, supports missile warning, missile defense, and space surveillance. Greenland also guards part of the GIUK Gap—a maritime corridor monitored to track Russian naval movements in the North Atlantic.
The island is also rich in natural resources. It contains large deposits of rare earth minerals used in electronics, batteries, and renewable energy technologies. Offshore oil and gas reserves have also been identified.
Greenland gained expanded self-rule in 2009, including the legal right to pursue independence. Most Greenlanders, however, remain aligned with Denmark. For now, the island’s future remains firmly in the hands of its people, even as global powers continue to weigh its strategic and economic value.
