The White House has indicated that President Donald Trump is considering employing the U.S. military as one of the potential strategies to gain control over Greenland, a self-governing territory under Danish sovereignty.
This statement, far from being a mere rhetorical slip, is coupled with a display of power that has unsettled European allies and reignited concerns in smaller nations about the ambitions of global superpowers.
According to CNN, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the acquisition of Greenland is a "national security priority" for Washington. She mentioned that the president and his team are examining "various options" to achieve this goal, not ruling out the use of military force.
The official emphasized that Trump sees controlling the territory as crucial for deterring "adversaries" in the Arctic region, an area experiencing increased activity from Russia and China.
Reports from Europe Press highlight that the White House is not just considering diplomatic or economic negotiations but maintains a hardline stance, deviating from the usual tone among NATO partners.
Since the weekend, Denmark has publicly urged the American president to cease what it considers unacceptable threats toward Greenland.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was firm in reminding that the United States "has no right to annex" any territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, which includes Greenland and the Faroe Islands. She stressed that both nations are part of NATO and are protected by the alliance's collective defense.
The situation in Copenhagen has caused concern, reminiscent of the case with Venezuela, where U.S. pressure raised alarms over the extent Washington might go when citing "national security" reasons. Greenland, with its strategic location and resources, is now on a radar that many Europeans find worrisome.
Trump has defended his stance, arguing that the island is crucial for U.S. defense. In recent remarks, he insisted that the presence of Russian and Chinese vessels in the area makes Greenland an "absolutely necessary" asset for national security.
This was further compounded by symbolic gestures perceived as provocations, such as social media images depicting Greenland painted with the colors of the American flag.
For Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, such messages are "disrespectful," though he sought to reassure by emphasizing the territory's self-governance, strong institutions, and backing by international law.
Key Concerns About U.S. Intentions in Greenland
Why does the U.S. consider Greenland a national security priority?
Greenland is seen as strategically important due to its location and natural resources, which are significant for national defense and to counteract the influence of nations like Russia and China in the Arctic.
How has Denmark responded to U.S. intentions regarding Greenland?
Denmark has strongly opposed the idea, with the Prime Minister stating that the U.S. has no right to annex Danish territories, emphasizing their NATO membership and collective defense obligations.