White House says 'range of options,' including US military, on table as Trump renews push to acquire Greenland

close

Video

Keeping China and Russia out of Greenland is a top US national security priority: Former ambassador

Former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Carla Sands discusses President Donald Trump’s focus on Greenland as a national security priority and why the region matters strategically on ‘The Will Cain Show.’

The White House said Tuesday that President Donald Trump views acquiring Greenland as a national security priority and that the use of the U.S. military remains an option as his administration weighs how to pursue control of the Arctic territory.

"President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to Fox News. 

"The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief’s disposal."

The comments mark the clearest statement to date from the White House suggesting military force could be considered, as Trump renews pressure on Denmark over Greenland’s strategic role in U.S. defense and missile detection in the Arctic.

DEM SENATOR INTRODUCES BILL TO STOP TRUMP FROM INVADING 'ANOTHER COUNTRY ON A WHIM' OVER GREENLAND

Video

European leaders and Canada rallied behind Greenland on Tuesday following Trump’s renewed push to gain control of the Danish territory, according to Reuters. Leaders from France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark said Greenland belongs to its people and that only Denmark and Greenland can decide the island’s future.

Arizona Democrat Sen. Ruben Gallego also announced Tuesday a bill to stop Trump from invading ‘another country on a whim’ over Greenland after Operation Absolute Resolve captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro over the weekend.

"What’s happening in Venezuela shows us that we can’t just ignore Trump’s reckless threats. His dangerous behavior puts American lives and our global credibility at risk. I’m introducing this amendment to make it clear that Congress will not bankroll illegal, unnecessary military action, and to force Republicans to choose whether they’re going to finally stand up or keep enabling Trump’s chaos," Gallego said in a statement on the legislation.

TRUMP WARNS 'SICK' SOUTH AMERICAN LEADER, REITERATES 'WE NEED GREENLAND' FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

A "Make America Go Away" baseball cap, distributed for free by Danish artist Jens Martin Skibsted, is arranged in Sisimiut, Greenland, on March 30, 2025. (Juliette Pavy/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who was named as Trump's special envoy to Greenland last month, said in an interview with CNBC that "security should be a major concern for the United States."

"We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it," Trump said during a press gaggle Sunday aboard Air Force One. 

According to a joint statement issued Tuesday by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom and Denmark: "Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe, and it is critical for international and transatlantic security."

French President Emmanuel Macron gestures as he stands on the glacier Mont Nunatarsuaq during a visit to Greenland, June 15, 2025.  (Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images)

The leaders said NATO has made clear the Arctic’s importance and stressed Denmark’s role, including Greenland. 

"NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority and European Allies are stepping up. We and many other Allies have increased our presence, activities and investments, to keep the Arctic safe and to deter adversaries. The Kingdom of Denmark – including Greenland – is part of NATO."

The statement said Arctic security must be handled collectively with NATO allies, including the U.S., while upholding sovereignty and borders.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The statement closed by arguing Arctic security must be achieved collectively while affirming sovereignty, saying Greenland’s future can only be decided by Denmark and Greenland.

"Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."