In the wake of a decisive U.S. operation in Venezuela that resulted in the ousting of Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump has renewed America’s focus on the strategic importance of Greenland. The White House has made clear that securing Greenland — whether through diplomatic negotiations or other means, including the use of U.S. military power — remains a serious national security priority. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that the United States is evaluating a full spectrum of options to ensure America’s defense interests in the High North are protected, including “utilizing the U.S. military,” which is always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal as he defends against growing Russian and Chinese influence.
Officials in both Denmark and Greenland have formally requested a summit with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss these developments and America’s position, according to a translated statement. The request came from Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Research, Vivian Motzfeldt — and follows earlier requests that were reportedly not answered.
Rubio, speaking for the administration, has emphasized that the preferred route remains diplomatic and voluntary, signaling that the U.S. hopes to “buy” or otherwise negotiate terms rather than resort to force. However, the administration’s explicit acknowledgment that military options remain on the table underscores how seriously the White House views Greenland’s role in U.S. defense strategy and Arctic security.
Danish and Greenlandic leaders have strongly pushed back. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned bluntly that any attempt to strip Denmark of sovereignty over Greenland could destabilize the entire NATO alliance, stating on Danish television, “If the U.S. chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, including NATO and thus the security that has been established since the end of the Second World War.”
That forceful rebuke reflects broader concern in Copenhagen and Nuuk over Trump’s assertions that there is expansive Russian and Chinese activity around the Arctic island — a claim Danish officials have rejected and labeled exaggerated. Greenlandic and Danish officials say Greenland’s future “is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide,” reaffirming that the territory is not for sale and underscoring their sovereign right to determine their own destiny.
