The debate over Greenland’s future has escalated as the United States explores ways to take control of the Arctic island, including the possible involvement of the military, the White House has confirmed.
The announcement has sparked alarm in Europe, where leaders are rallying behind Denmark and emphasizing that Greenland’s fate cannot be decided by the US alone.
According to the White House, Greenland—an autonomous territory under Denmark and a Nato member—is considered a critical national security interest.
Over the weekend, President Donald Trump reiterated that the US “needed” Greenland, prompting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to warn that any US attack could jeopardize Nato’s foundation.
“The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the US military is always an option at the Commander-in-Chief's disposal,” the White House said on Tuesday.
In response, six European nations, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain, issued a joint statement supporting Denmark. They stressed that Greenland belongs to its people and that only Denmark and Greenland can make decisions regarding its future.
“Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations,” the statement said, while emphasizing that Arctic security should be pursued collectively by Nato allies and in line with international law.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the backing and called for constructive and respectful dialogue.
“The dialogue must take place with respect for the fact that Greenland's status is rooted in international law and the principle of territorial integrity,” he said.
Tensions resurfaced following a recent US military operation in Venezuela, which saw President Nicolás Maduro captured and taken to New York on criminal charges. Shortly after, Katie Miller, wife of senior aide Stephen Miller, posted an image of Greenland colored like the American flag with the word “SOON.” Her husband later stated that it was “the formal position of the US government that Greenland should be part of the US,” adding in an interview: “Nobody's going to fight the US over the future of Greenland.”
Despite these remarks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in a closed briefing that the US has no plans to invade Greenland, instead preferring options like buying the island or forming a Compact of Free Association. Denmark and Greenland have requested urgent talks with Rubio to clarify the US position.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said discussions with the US could resolve “certain misunderstandings.” Meanwhile, Republican Senator Eric Schmitt defended the American approach, saying, “I think they're just in talks right now. My hope is that Europe would understand that a strong America is good - it's good for Western civilisation.”
President Trump first suggested acquiring Greenland during his initial term, describing it as “Essentially it's a large real estate deal.” The island’s strategic value has grown as melting ice opens new shipping routes and Russia and China show increased interest in Arctic resources.
In March, Trump warned the US would “go as far as we have to go” to secure Greenland. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth later told Congress the Pentagon “have plans for any contingency” if Greenland needed to be secured by force.
Greenland has roughly 57,000 residents and has enjoyed extensive self-rule since 1979, though Denmark oversees foreign affairs and defence. While many locals support eventual independence, opinion polls show strong resistance to becoming part of the US, despite the American military presence on the island.
Morgan Angaju, a 27-year-old Inuit from Ilulissat, described the US statements as “terrifying,” saying it was disturbing to hear the “leader of the free world laughing at Denmark and Greenland and just talking about us like we're something to claim.”
“We are already claimed by the Greenlandic people. Kalaallit Nunaat means the land of the Greenlandic people,” Morgan added. He expressed fears for the future, wondering whether Greenland’s prime minister might face threats similar to Maduro or whether the US could intervene militarily.
