On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning, asserting that the United States will take action in Greenland "whether they like it or not" to prevent Russia or China from "taking over" the island.
During a press briefing focused on oil, Trump stated, "We will not have Russia or China as our neighbors."
The President expressed a preference for achieving this "the easy way" through a deal, but he also emphasized that if necessary, they would pursue it "the hard way."
On Tuesday, the White House confirmed that Trump has renewed his interest in acquiring Greenland, with the administration not ruling out any options, "including military action," to ensure control over the territory, according to the same report.
Presidential spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt remarked that the "acquisition of Greenland is a national security priority" and that Washington aims to "safeguard its strategic interests in the Arctic against its adversaries."
The announcement comes shortly after a military operation in Venezuela resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, and it has reportedly "raised alarms" across Europe.
Trump views Greenland—administered by Denmark and enjoying significant internal autonomy—as vital for defense and natural resources.
When questioned about the topic, he responded, "We'll address Greenland in two months. Let's discuss Greenland in 20 days."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed a group of lawmakers that Trump "would be willing to purchase Greenland," and indicated that his team is preparing a plan to explore the diplomatic and economic avenues for such an acquisition, as per the report provided by the user.
The European reaction was described as strong. Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Denmark issued a joint statement emphasizing that Arctic security should be achieved collectively, with NATO allies, while respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders.
The statement concluded with a powerful message: "Greenland belongs to its people. Only Denmark and Greenland can decide their future."
Meanwhile, the President of Greenland's autonomous government, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, urged calm, expressing openness to strengthening ties with Washington, but stressed that "Greenland's sovereignty is not for sale."
The report summarizes that Greenland—with "just 57,000 inhabitants" and an economy reliant on fishing and Danish aid—has been thrust "into the spotlight" of a geopolitical struggle between Washington and Europe over strategic control of the Arctic.
U.S. Interests and European Reactions on Greenland
Why is the U.S. interested in acquiring Greenland?
The U.S. views Greenland as strategically important due to its location and natural resources, which are crucial for defense purposes and to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic.
What are the reactions of European leaders to Trump's interest in Greenland?
European leaders have responded strongly, emphasizing the need for Arctic security to be managed collectively with NATO allies, and respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Greenland.
How has Greenland's government reacted to the U.S. interest in their territory?
Greenland's autonomous government has called for calm, open to strengthening relations with the U.S., but firmly stating that Greenland's sovereignty is not for sale.