The White House confirms Trump's efforts to buy Greenland to deter China and Russia
The White House has officially confirmed that US President Donald Trump and his national security team are seriously considering purchasing Greenland from Denmark, a move aimed at bolstering American influence in the Arctic region. This confirmation came from White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt, who explained that the president views this move as a vital strategic interest for the United States, noting that diplomacy remains the preferred method for completing the transaction, although other options are not being ruled out.
Strategic importance and deterrence against Russian and Chinese influence
In her press briefing, Levitt explained that Trump's interest in acquiring the self-governing Danish territory stems from Washington's desire to deter growing Russian and Chinese expansion in the Arctic. The US administration views Greenland as a vital geostrategic location for American national security, particularly as melting ice opens new shipping lanes and facilitates access to the region's natural resources.
In a controversial response regarding the possibility of using military force against an allied and NATO member state, the spokeswoman stated that “all options remain on the table for President Trump,” but she added that the diplomatic path is the first and permanent option that the president seeks to achieve.
Historical background: This is not the first American attempt
The United States' interest in purchasing Greenland is not a recent development or a mere passing thought of President Trump; rather, it has deep historical roots reflecting the island's strategic importance. In 1946, US President Harry Truman made a formal offer to Denmark to buy the island for $100 million in gold, given its strategic location during the Cold War, but the offer was rejected. US Secretary of State William Seward also expressed similar interest in the 1860s.
Greenland is currently home to Thule Air Base, the northernmost U.S. military base, which plays a pivotal role in the ballistic missile early warning system and space surveillance, making full control of the island an enticing goal for Washington's strategic planners to ensure dominance over the North Atlantic.
Anticipated diplomatic moves
On the diplomatic front, and in line with the White House's stated preference for political solutions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his intention to meet with Danish officials next week. This meeting comes in response to a request from Copenhagen to discuss Trump's continued statements and threats regarding control of the island, in an attempt to contain the situation and clarify US intentions directly.
The international community, and especially European countries, are watching closely the outcome of these talks, as talk of buying sovereign territory in the 21st century is a rare precedent in modern international relations, raising questions about the future of traditional transatlantic alliances.
