White House Emphasizes Increased U.S. Pressure to Acquire Greenland; Military Option Mentioned

On Tuesday, January 6, the White House increased pressure on Denmark regarding Greenland, the world's largest island, by referencing various options on the table, including the use of military forces to seize the territory alongside the possibility of purchasing it. The White House stated in a release that controlling Greenland is a 'national security priority' and that the option of using the U.S. military to acquire it is under consideration. Caroline Levitt, a White House spokesperson, stated, 'President Trump has made it clear that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority for the United States, and this action is vital for deterring our enemies in the Arctic region.' The statement continued, 'The President and his team are examining a range of options to advance this important foreign policy goal, and of course, the use of the U.S. military is always one of the options available to the Commander-in-Chief.' This White House statement came shortly after European allies, including Denmark, issued a joint statement emphasizing that they would not 'relinquish' their defense of Greenland's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. European leaders stated, 'Greenland belongs to its people. Decisions regarding the affairs of Denmark and Greenland are solely the responsibility of Denmark and Greenland.' They described the United States as a 'key partner' in Arctic regional security and in protecting it from Russian and Chinese influence. An American official also did not rule out the possibility of purchasing the territory from Denmark or establishing a 'free association agreement' with the island. Stephen Miller, a senior White House official, also increased pressure on Denmark on Tuesday by reiterating President Trump's request for Greenland to join the United States. The U.S. government has similar agreements with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau, which include financial assistance in exchange for allowing U.S. military presence in those countries. The United States has had a military base in Greenland for several decades.