US President Donald J. Trump has renewed discussions on taking control of Greenland, with the White House confirming that all options remain under consideration, including the possible use of military force.
The administration has described Greenland as strategically important because of its location in the Arctic. The island sits between North America and Europe and lies along routes that are becoming more navigable as Arctic ice continues to recede.
The United States maintains a permanent military presence on the island through the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland. The base supports missile warning, space surveillance, and early-warning systems and has been operated by US forces for decades.
US officials have also cited Greenland’s natural resources. The island is known to contain rare earth mineral deposits used in batteries, electric vehicles, and other advanced technologies. Greenland’s continental shelf has also been identified by scientists as having potential oil and gas reserves. Greenland’s government ended oil and gas exploration in 2021.
The White House has said Greenland is viewed as a national security priority and confirmed that military force remains an option if other approaches do not succeed.
Greenland is a self-governing territory with its own parliament and a population of about 58,000 people. Denmark retains authority over foreign policy and defense. Greenland does not maintain its own military.
Denmark provides annual financial subsidies that fund public services in Greenland.
The Trump administration has indicated that a negotiated purchase remains its preferred approach. US officials have noted that previous administrations explored similar ideas, including a proposal made to Denmark by the United States in the years following World War II.
Both the Danish and Greenlandic governments have rejected any transfer of sovereignty. Greenland’s leadership has stated that the island is not for sale and that decisions about its future rest with its residents.
Public polling shows that about 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States, even as some express interest in expanded economic cooperation with Washington.
Surveys have also shown that while many Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, support for joining the United States remains low.
Denmark has increased defense spending related to Arctic and North Atlantic security, including areas linked to Greenland.
European governments have publicly stated their support for Denmark and Greenland, emphasizing sovereignty and self-determination. Canadian officials have also said that Greenland’s future must be decided by its people.
A top Trump aide, Stephen Miller, said on television that “nobody’s going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland.”
