The White House stated on Tuesday (January 6) that President Trump and his team are discussing plans to acquire Greenland, with utilizing the US military to achieve this goal always being an option.
The White House said in a statement, “President Trump has made it clear that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority for the United States, crucial for deterring our adversaries in the Arctic region. The President and his team are exploring a range of options to achieve this significant diplomatic goal, and of course, utilizing the US military remains an option that the President can use as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.”
Multiple media outlets reported that, according to a senior US official, the government is considering several options, including purchasing the territory from Denmark or establishing a free association agreement with the island.
The official also stated that Trump’s goal is to complete the acquisition within his current term. The individual added that despite opposition from NATO leaders, the issue “will not just disappear.”
The White House emphasized that ensuring the security of Greenland is seen as a “national security priority” for the United States, underscoring this administration’s focus on the strategic importance of the Arctic region.
The official, who chose to remain anonymous, mentioned that the options include the US directly purchasing Greenland or establishing a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the region.
“Foreign policy is always the President’s preferred way of handling anything; he likes to make deals. Therefore, if a good deal to acquire Greenland can be reached, it is certainly the first thing he would consider,” the official said.
President Trump has repeatedly stated that the US needs Greenland. After capturing Venezuelan President Maduro, he stated that given the increasing activities of Russia and China in the region, the Arctic region is crucial for US security.
“From a national security standpoint, we need Greenland,” Trump said.
“We need Greenland… it has tremendous strategic value right now. There are ships from Russia and China all around Greenland,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “From a national security standpoint, we need Greenland, and Denmark cannot do that.”
The President added, “The EU also needs us to have Greenland, and they know that.”
On January 22 of last year, just after taking office, Trump mentioned the importance of Greenland to the US. He said, “We need Greenland for national security, not for key minerals.”
The President explained that the US has critical minerals in many places and also collaborates with other countries.
This Tuesday, leaders of major European countries and Canada stated that Greenland belongs to the people of the island.
(Partial reference from Reuters report)