PARIS/BERLIN/WASHINGTON: The United States signaled that it is not backing away from President Donald Trump’s long-standing ambition to take control of Greenland, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed he will travel to Denmark next week for high-level talks even as alarm grows across Europe and within NATO.
Concerns intensified after the dramatic U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro over the weekend, raising fresh fears among allies about how far Washington may be willing to go to secure Greenland. So far, U.S. officials have done little to ease those anxieties.
Speaking to reporters, Rubio said Trump still retains the option of using military means to pursue control of the Arctic territory.
However, he stressed that diplomacy remains the preferred path.
“As a diplomat, our first priority is always to resolve things peacefully including what happened in Venezuela,” Rubio said, when asked whether a U.S. takeover of Greenland could risk shattering NATO unity.
A military seizure of the mineral-rich island controlled by Denmark would mark an unprecedented rupture between Washington and Europe, sending shock waves across NATO and redefining global strategic alliances. Lawmakers in the U.S. Congress are already preparing legislation aimed at limiting Trump’s power to forcibly pursue control over Greenland.
Trump Calls Greenland Crucial to U.S. Security
Strategically positioned between North America and Europe, Greenland plays a critical role in U.S. missile defense and Arctic military strategy. Its vast mineral wealth also fits Washington’s broader effort to reduce dependence on China for critical resources.
Trump first publicly floated the idea of gaining control over Greenland in 2019. He argues Denmark has not done enough to secure the island despite two existing defense agreements with Washington, signed in 1951 and 2023, which already grant the U.S. sweeping military access. The White House confirmed that Trump and his national security team are actively evaluating options, including possible military action if diplomatic efforts fail. Other officials, including Rubio, have suggested the preferred outcome would be purchasing the island an idea quietly discussed in classified briefings with congressional leaders.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Greenland remains a top strategic focus.
“President Trump always keeps all options on the table, but diplomacy remains his first choice,” she said.
Even senior Republicans are uneasy. Senator Mitch McConnell warned that using force to seize Greenland would damage U.S. credibility and global standing, calling such threats “unseemly and counterproductive.”
Europe and Canada Close Ranks Behind Greenland
European powers joined by Canada have rallied in support of Denmark and Greenland’s right to self-determination.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Trump directly that he stands firmly with Denmark. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Paris, Berlin and Warsaw are coordinating closely, and called for a unified European response. Germany confirmed it is working with allies on next steps, while EU Council President Antonio Costa promised unwavering support for Greenland and Denmark against any violation of international law. Nordic leaders are also pushing NATO to debate the situation. Finland’s parliamentary foreign affairs chief Johannes Koskinen urged allies to ensure the U.S. does not pursue unilateral power ambitions.
Greenland, the world’s largest island but home to only 57,000 people is covered under Denmark’s NATO membership. Its leaders have firmly rejected annexation.
“Greenland has never been for sale and never will be,” said Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic representative in Denmark’s parliament, calling U.S. officials’ refusal to rule out military intervention “deeply disturbing,” she told WNN.
Denmark Pushes Back on Claims of Russian and Chinese Threats
Trump has frequently argued that Russian and Chinese activity around Greenland justifies U.S. action.
Denmark disagrees. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said such claims are exaggerated, and vessel tracking data reviewed by MarineTraffic and LSEG showed no Russian or Chinese ships near Greenland. “The picture being painted of foreign vessels lurking around our waters is simply not accurate,” Rasmussen said.
He and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt have requested urgent talks with Rubio, urging calm and dialogue.
“The shouting must stop. We need reason and responsible discussion,” Rasmussen said.
Still, Europe remains uneasy and the world is watching.
– John Psaledakis
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