Washington, D.C. / Copenhagen — January 7, 2026
The Trump administration is actively exploring options to acquire Greenland, describing the Arctic territory as a critical national security asset amid rising strategic competition with Russia and China, according to senior U.S. officials.
Discussions inside the Oval Office have reportedly included scenarios ranging from an outright purchase to a Compact of Free Association (COFA)—a framework that would integrate Greenland into the U.S. security and economic sphere without formal annexation. In a statement issued on January 6, 2026, the White House said that “military intervention is always an option”, intensifying diplomatic concerns across Europe.
Strategic Timing and U.S. Signals
The renewed push follows the U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump has suggested that a decision on Greenland could be made within two months, once Venezuela’s political situation stabilizes.
Greenland holds growing strategic value due to its Arctic location, proximity to key transpolar routes, and vast reserves of rare earth minerals essential for advanced technology, renewable energy systems, and military hardware. However, large-scale development faces obstacles, including limited infrastructure, labor shortages, and extreme climate conditions.
Greenland and Denmark Push Back
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a firm rejection on January 5, stating that Greenland is “not for sale” and that only Greenlanders have the right to decide the island’s future.
Denmark echoed that position. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, along with Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, has repeatedly sought a formal meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to clarify Washington’s intentions. Despite multiple requests throughout 2025, such a meeting has not yet taken place.
NATO Allies Rally Behind Greenland
Trump’s remarks prompted a swift response from several NATO allies, including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark. These countries jointly reaffirmed their support for Greenland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, signaling unease over any unilateral U.S. move in the Arctic.
No Price, Rising Tensions
No official purchase price or framework has been disclosed, but analysts say the proposal highlights intensifying geopolitical rivalries in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping lanes and access to untapped natural resources.
As diplomatic resistance grows, the Greenland debate is emerging as a major flashpoint in early 2026 global geopolitics, testing alliances and redefining Arctic power dynamics.
