> At a Glance
> – Trump weighs military options for Greenland after Jan. 3 Venezuela strike
> – White House: “Utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option”
> – Denmark warns NATO collapse if U.S. seizes territory
> – Why it matters: A NATO clash could redraw Arctic security and alliance rules
President Donald Trump is openly discussing military action against Greenland days after U.S. forces snatched Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and flew him to American soil.
Military Option on the Table
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the Arctic island is now viewed through a security lens.
> “President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States.”
She added that military force remains part of the toolkit.
> “Utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief’s disposal.”
What’s Being Weighed
Administration sources tell Reuters the President’s team is reviewing a “range of options”:
- Purchase offer to Denmark
- Compact of Free Association
- Direct territorial acquisition
- Potential military seizure
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Friday the first preference is still a purchase, not an invasion.
Global Pushback
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any armed move on the self-governing territory would rupture the 75-year-old NATO alliance.
> “If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops.”
A joint letter from Denmark and fellow European NATO states, released Tuesday, declared:
> “Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.”
Trump’s Broader Threat List
Speaking aboard Air Force One Sunday, the President linked Greenland to a wider security sweep that could also include:
- Colombia
- Cuba
- Iran
- Mexico
He cited Russian and Chinese ships near Greenland as justification for U.S. control.
| Stakeholder | Position |
|---|---|
| United States | Military option “always available” |
| Denmark | NATO would collapse |
| European NATO | Back Denmark’s sovereignty claim |
Key Takeaways
- U.S. forces captured Maduro Jan. 3; Trump now eyes Greenland
- Denmark vows NATO’s end if military force is used
- Purchase talks remain the official Plan A
- Arctic shipping lanes drive Washington’s security concerns
The standoff sets up a rare test of NATO’s mutual-defense clause, with an American president floating the possibility of moving against an allied territory.
