US President Donald Trump and his officials are actively discussing a potential offer to buy the Danish territory of Greenland, the White House has confirmed.
It is something that's currently being actively discussed by the president and his national security team, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday.
Both Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly stressed the island was not for sale.
Asked why the Trump administration had previously said it was not ruling out using military force to acquire Greenland, Leavitt replied that all options were always on the table but Trump's first option always has been diplomacy.
Concerns over the future of the territory resurfaced after Trump's unilateral use of military force against Venezuela on Saturday to seize its President Nicolás Maduro. Denmark, a fellow Nato ally, says an attack on its territory would end the military alliance.
The Trump administration says Greenland is vital to US security. Its location among North America and the Arctic makes it well-placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks, and for monitoring vessels in the region, according to the US.
In recent years, there has also been increased interest in Greenland's natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron, which are becoming easier to access as ice melts due to climate change. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that he will hold talks with Denmark next week to discuss this matter.
Despite previous discussions, both Denmark and Greenland maintain that the island is not for sale. In a joint statement, European leaders expressed solidarity with Denmark, asserting that Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations. They underscored the importance of upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity in global affairs.
This renewed focus on Greenland raises significant questions regarding its future amidst changing geopolitical dynamics.
