Greenland’s strategic position in the Arctic has once again thrust it into the global spotlight, after the White House said the use of the US military remains an option in President Donald Trump’s renewed push to bring the island under American control.
The comments have sparked strong pushback from European leaders and Canada, all of whom insist that Greenland’s future can only be decided by its own people and Denmark.
Trump Renews Strategic Case for Greenland
President Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland during his initial term, but has revived the proposal following a recent US military operation abroad and growing concern over Arctic security. Trump argues that Greenland is critical to US national defence, particularly as competition with China and Russia intensifies in the region.
“Acquiring Greenland is a national security priority,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, adding that the administration is reviewing a range of options. She noted that “utilising the US military is always an option at the commander in chief’s disposal,” a remark that marked the strongest language yet from the White House on the issue.
The statement came despite earlier comments from Trump’s special envoy to Greenland, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who had suggested that military force would not be necessary. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson also rejected the idea, saying he did not believe military action would be appropriate.
Allies Push Back on US Rhetoric
European leaders moved quickly to respond. France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in issuing a joint statement affirming that Greenland “belongs to its people.”
The statement stressed that Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and therefore part of NATO. “It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,” the leaders said.
Canada also voiced support for Denmark. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon, who is of Inuit descent, along with Foreign Minister Anita Anand, will visit Greenland next month. Standing alongside Frederiksen in Paris, Carney said the future of Greenland must be decided solely by its people.
Despite the diplomatic backlash, Jeff Landry said he plans to bypass European governments and speak directly to Greenlanders. He said he has already exchanged emails with residents and wants to discuss ways to improve quality of life on the island, jokingly referring to his approach as “culinary diplomacy.”
Why Greenland Matters So Much
Greenland’s importance lies largely in its geography and resources. Located off Canada’s northeastern coast, more than two-thirds of the island lies within the Arctic Circle, a position that has made it vital to North American defence since World War II.
The United States operates the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, a key installation supporting missile warning, missile defence and space surveillance for both the US and NATO. Greenland also forms part of the strategically critical GIUK Gap, where NATO tracks Russian naval movements in the North Atlantic.
Beyond security, Greenland holds significant economic value. The island has large deposits of rare earth minerals essential for electronics, renewable energy technologies and batteries. The US Geological Survey has also identified potential offshore oil and natural gas reserves.
While Trump and his allies argue these factors justify US control, Denmark and Greenland’s leaders have firmly rejected the idea. Greenland’s 2009 self-rule law recognises its right to full independence under international law, an option supported by a majority of Greenlanders. For now, both Copenhagen and Nuuk insist the island’s future will not be decided in Washington.
