Use of military force ‘always an option’ in bid to take over Greenland, White House says

January 7, 2026
4:40 pm

The White House straight-up said Tuesday that using US military force is “always an option” in President Donald Trump’s bid to take Greenland from Denmark. Yeah, you read that right. Not buying it outright like Trump floated back in 2019, but now they’re talking potential force after last weekend’s Venezuela operation shook things up.

This isn’t some random Arctic land grab. Greenland sits like a massive shield off Canada’s northeast coast, with over two-thirds inside the Arctic Circle. Since World War II, it’s been ground zero for North American defense. We’re talking missile bases, Russian sub tracking, rare earth minerals worth billions, and enough strategic juice to make China and Russia sweat. Trump says Denmark can’t handle it. The world says back off. Let’s unpack this bombshell step by step – what it means, who’s saying what, and why everyone’s freaking out.

Greenland’s Crazy Strategic Importance – Why Everyone Wants It

Picture this: Greenland’s not just ice. It’s 836,000 square miles of frozen fortress guarding North America’s roof. More than 80% sits above the Arctic Circle, making it perfect for watching Russian moves in the GIUK Gap – that’s Greenland-Iceland-UK line where NATO tracks subs sneaking into the Atlantic.

Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule) runs US missile warning, space surveillance, and NATO radar. Built after a 1951 Denmark-US deal, it’s irreplaceable. Russia and China ramp up Arctic presence – breaking ice, claiming shipping lanes, eyeing resources. Trump told reporters Sunday: “Greenland’s covered with Russian and Chinese ships. Denmark can’t defend it.”

Then the minerals. USGS says Greenland holds massive rare earth elements – stuff for iPhone magnets, EV batteries, wind turbines. Offshore? Possible oil and gas fields. As world shifts from fossil fuels, whoever controls Greenland controls green tech future. No wonder everyone’s circling.

White House Doubles Down – “Military Always an Option”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dropped the hammer: “President Trump made clear acquiring Greenland is national security priority to deter Arctic adversaries.” Trump’s team sees it as vital counter to Russia/China expansion.

Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller went harder on CNN Monday: “US should control Greenland for security. Denmark’s colonial claim? What’s their basis?” He dismissed military talk: “Nobody fights US over Greenland militarily.” But the White House statement saying force “always an option” contradicts that chill vibe.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Trump’s new special envoy to Greenland, skips Denmark entirely. On Fox News radio: “Not talking to Europeans who’ve made position clear. Want direct talks with Greenlanders.” He shared emails from locals: “They hunt, fish, love good times – sounds like Louisiana! Culinary diplomacy!”

Landry’s approach: bypass Copenhagen, deal with Nuuk (Greenland’s capital) and everyday folks wanting economic lift. Bold, but Denmark calls it interference.

Global Leaders Unite Against Trump – NATO at Risk?

Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen got rare backup from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, UK. Joint statement: “Greenland belongs to its people. Only Denmark and Greenland decide their future.” Frederiksen warned takeover kills NATO – Greenland’s Danish territory, making it alliance soil.

Canada’s Mark Carney jumped in, announcing next month’s visit by Governor General Mary Simon (Inuit descent) and Foreign Minister Anita Anand. At Paris embassy beside Frederiksen: “Denmark/Greenland decide solely.” Canada eyes Arctic claims too – this puts Ottawa in tough spot as US neighbor.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) broke ranks: “No, military action not appropriate.” Rare GOP pushback shows even allies nervous.

Trump’s Greenland Obsession – 2019 to 2026 Reality

Remember 2019? Trump tweeted about buying Greenland like it was Alaska 2.0. Denmark laughed it off, Trump canceled a state visit. Fast forward to January 2026 – post-Venezuela success (Maduro seized), Trump’s bolder. “Strategic right now,” he said Sunday.

White House frames it national security, not empire. China’s Arctic research stations, Russia’s militarized icebreakers, mineral rush – all real threats. Denmark’s 58,000 troops vs US firepower? No contest if push comes shove. But Greenlanders (pop. 56,000, mostly Inuit) want self-rule, economic help – not forced swap.

Greenland’s History – From Colony to Self-Rule Flashpoint

Quick history lesson: Denmark colonized Greenland 300+ years. 1953, became official Danish territory. US recognized full Danish sovereignty early 1900s but built Thule 1951. Greenland got self-government 2009 – handles internal affairs, Denmark does defense/foreign policy.

Greenlandic leaders like Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reject Trump outright: “Our future ours to decide.” Locals want mining jobs, better infrastructure – not US flag. Landry’s “culinary diplomacy” pitch ignores Copenhagen’s veto power.

Military Option Real? What Would It Look Like?

White House saying “military always option” sounds like saber-rattling, but let’s game it out. Pituffik’s already US-run – 1951 agreement gives basing rights. Full takeover?

Scenario 1: Economic pressure – tariffs on Denmark, aid cuts
Scenario 2: Special forces “stabilization” post-referendum (like Venezuela model)
Scenario 3: Naval blockade/island seizure – nuclear winter for NATO

Miller’s right – Denmark (pop. 5.9M) won’t fight US (pop. 345M). But NATO fractures. Greenlanders protest. China/Russia cheer chaos.

Legal angle: UN Charter Article 2(4) bans force against sovereignty. But US track record (Iraq, Libya) shrugs that off. Trump 2.0 operates post-2024 mandate – bolder moves expected.

Rare Earths and Arctic Power – Real Stakes

USGS estimates: Greenland holds 1.5M tonnes rare earth oxides – 10% global supply. Neodymium, dysprosium – magnets for F-35 jets, Tesla motors, iPhones. China controls 90% processing now.

Oil/gas potential: Offshore fields rival North Sea. Climate change opens shipping lanes – Northern Sea Route cuts Asia-Europe transit 40%. Russia claims it. US wants counterweight.

Greenland paused mining 2021 over environmental fears, but economic pressure mounts. Kvanefjeld uranium/rare earth project could restart under US control.

Reactions Across Political Spectrum

US Democrats: Silent so far – Venezuela win muted criticism. Some quietly like Arctic checkmate vs China.

GOP hardliners: Behind Trump 100%. Sen. Tom Cotton tweeted: “Arctic security demands Greenland in right hands.”

Europe: Panic mode. NATO summit looms. Denmark threatens base closure.

Greenland locals: Mixed. Young miners want jobs. Elders fear cultural loss. Independence from Denmark long-term goal, but not US takeover.

Canada: Walks tightrope. Arctic claims overlap. Carney’s visit signals “we’re watching.”

Economic Impact – What’s at Stake

Denmark GDP hit: Greenland subsidy ~$500M/year. Loss kills budget.

US gains: Rare earth independence, Arctic military dominance, Greenland as unsinkable carrier.

Global markets: Rare earth prices spike on uncertainty. Tesla, Apple watch nervously.

Greenland economy: Mining boom possible, but environmental risks huge. Locals want sustainable path.

What Happens Next – 3 Scenarios

1. Trump Backdown (20% chance): Allies pressure works, symbolic deal on bases/minerals.

2. Negotiation Win (50% chance): Greenland referendum + economic package. US gets 99-year lease like Guantanamo.

3. Escalation (30% chance): Venezuela 2.0. Special ops, quick takeover. NATO crisis, but Arctic secured.

Landry’s direct talks key. If Greenlanders vote yes (jobs argument), Denmark’s position crumbles.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Greenland’s not Alaska purchase 1867 (Russia happy to sell). Modern great power competition – US vs China/Russia for Arctic dominance. Climate change melts ice, opens new battlefield.

NATO existential: Attacking ally’s territory (Denmark) fractures alliance Trump already calls “obsolete.”

Greenland’s voice: 56,000 Inuit descendants get final say? Or great powers carve up frozen real estate?

Trump’s betting US power trumps (pun intended) international norms. Post-Venezuela, he’s testing limits.