Is acquiring Greenland still under consideration? White House admits U.S. military force is 'always an option' to achieve that goal, amidst ally pushback​

The White House stated that military force remains on the table in President Donald Trump’s push to acquire Greenland. Comments from senior administration officials have alarmed U.S. allies, particularly Denmark and NATO partners, who warn the rhetoric risks destabilizing Arctic security. Lawmakers at home are also voicing concern.

The Trump administration said that military force is “always an option” in its effort to acquire Greenland, calling it a U.S. 'national security priority.'

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Why does President Donald Trump want Greenland?

The White House says President Donald Trump views acquiring Greenland as a critical national security goal for the United States. Speaking Tuesday, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump believes control of Greenland is essential to deter adversaries in the Arctic region, as per a report by ABC News.

According to a report by ABC News, "President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region,” Leavitt said in a statement, adding that Trump and his advisers are reviewing multiple approaches to reach that goal.

"The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief’s disposal," she confirmed, reported ABC News.

Trump has echoed that view, telling The Atlantic, “We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense." His remarks have intensified since his return to office and following the 2024 presidential election.

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What role is Stephen Miller playing?

Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, has emerged as a central voice behind the administration’s escalating rhetoric. In recent interviews, Miller asserted that "the United States should have Greenland as part of the United States," and questioned Denmark’s authority over the territory.

"The real question is, by what right does Denmark assert control over Greenland?" he said. "What is the basis of their territorial claim? What is their basis of having Greenland as a colony of Denmark?”

“The United States is the power of NATO. For the United States to secure the Arctic region to protect and defend NATO and NATO interests, obviously, Greenland should be part of the United States,” Miller continued. “And so that’s a conversation that we’re going to have, as a country.”

According to areport by ABC News, Miller argued that because the U.S. is the dominant power within NATO, Greenland should fall under American control to secure Arctic interests. He repeatedly declined to rule out military involvement, saying, "Nobody's going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland." "We live in a world, in the real world ... that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power. These are the iron laws of the world since the beginning of time."

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How are Denmark and NATO allies responding?

European leaders reacted forcefully to the administration’s statements. Denmark and several NATO allies issued a joint declaration stressing that Greenland’s status is not up for unilateral debate.

“The Kingdom of Denmark — including Greenland — is part of NATO,” leaders from France, Germany, Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark said. They emphasized that Arctic security must be achieved collectively and in line with international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Security in the Arctic must therefore be achieved collectively, in conjunction with NATO allies including the United States, by upholding the principles of the U.N. Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders," they added. “It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.”

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was even more direct, warning that “if the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops.” "That is, including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War."

"We will not accept a situation where we and Greenland are threatened in this way," she added, as per a report by ABC News.

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What is the reaction inside the U.S.?

The rhetoric has drawn bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill. House Speaker Mike Johnson said plainly that using military force to acquire Greenland is not appropriate.

“No, I don’t think that’s appropriate,” Johnson said when asked about the possibility of military action.

Rep. Blake Moore, a Republican from Utah, joined Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer in condemning the language, calling the "saber-rattling about annexing Greenland needlessly dangerous." Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona went further, saying he would introduce a war powers resolution specifically focused on Greenland.

“We must stop him before he invades another country on a whim,” Gallego wrote. “No more forever wars.”

Why are tensions rising now?

Concerns among U.S. allies have intensified following a dramatic U.S. military and law enforcement operation in Venezuela. Over the weekend, American forces carried out a pre-dawn raid in Caracas to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, transferring them to U.S. custody on federal charges.

European officials fear Greenland could face similar pressure. Miller is expected to play a significant role in shaping U.S. actions toward Venezuela alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, though his responsibilities have not been fully defined.

Following the Venezuela operation, Trump issued warnings to other nations, including Greenland, about U.S. military power.

What agreements already exist over Greenland?

The United States already maintains a military presence in Greenland, operating a base there and deploying roughly 200 troops under a long-standing defense agreement. In 1916, the U.S. signed an agreement stating it “will not object” to Denmark extending its political and economic interests across Greenland as part of a deal to purchase what are now the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Despite this, Trump reignited controversy last month by naming Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. Landry publicly embraced the role, calling it a “volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.”

What comes next?

Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of acquiring Greenland, including suggesting before taking office that military force could be used. While some officials hint at negotiations or purchase, others refuse to rule out force.

As NATO allies push back and lawmakers raise alarms, the administration’s remarks have placed Greenland at the center of a growing international dispute, one that continues to test alliances, legal norms, and the limits of U.S. power.

FAQs

Is the U.S. considering military action over Greenland?
The White House says military force is “always an option,” though no final decision has been announced.

Who opposes the idea in Congress?
Lawmakers from both parties, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have said military action would be inappropriate.