Trump considers military option for Greenland

January 09, 2026 / 8:52 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: US President Donald Trump is reportedly exploring options, including military action, to acquire Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory. The White House says the move is a national security priority aimed at countering Russia and China.

Diplomacy vs. threats

Trump has indicated that buying Greenland is his preferred option. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised that “utilising the US military is always an option” at the president’s disposal. Denmark warns that any military move would jeopardise NATO and decades of transatlantic security ties.

Greenland and Danish response

Greenland’s leaders insist the island is not for sale, with Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stating its future should be decided by its 57,000 residents. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland’s officials have sought meetings with US officials to clarify intentions.

International backlash

European allies, including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain, have rallied around Denmark and Greenland, affirming the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sought to downplay tensions while emphasising NATO commitments.

Domestic pushback in the US

US lawmakers from both parties have criticised the idea of military action. Democrats and Republicans alike warned that such a move would endanger NATO, put troops at risk, and violate the sovereignty of an ally.

Local reaction

Greenland residents have rejected Trump’s threats. Christian Keldsen, director of the Greenland Business Association, called the plan “not acceptable in the civilised world.”