US military presence in Greenland remains a potential option for the US government

US President Donald Trump is exploring options to acquire Greenland, including the potential use of the US military, according to a statement from the White House on Tuesday. The president views acquiring Greenland as a national security priority, citing the need to “deter our adversaries in the Arctic region.” The White House stated that the president and his team are discussing various approaches to pursue this goal.

Greenland is currently part of Denmark, but Trump’s interest in acquiring the island has been rekindled following the US operation in Venezuela. Trump has argued that controlling Greenland is essential for US national security, citing concerns about Russian and Chinese ships in the area. However, the Danish government has disputed these claims, stating that Greenland does not want to be part of the US.

Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom have issued a statement reaffirming that Greenland belongs to its people, with Denmark and Greenland having sole authority over matters concerning their territory. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also announced plans for Governor General Mary Simon and Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand to visit Greenland early next month.

Nordic foreign ministers from Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark have stressed Greenland’s right to decide its own affairs, while also offering to increase their investments in Arctic security in consultation with the US and other NATO allies. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that threats against a NATO member undermine the alliance’s credibility.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has welcomed the European leaders’ pledge of solidarity and renewed his call for a “respectful dialogue” with the US. Denmark has rejected Trump’s assertion that it is unable to protect Greenland, stating that the island does not have Chinese warships or investments. The Danish government has invited US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the situation with them.

Source: Al Jazeera