This was interesting. Trump dead set on taking over Greenland - and keeping it. Europe has said this will lead to the end of NATO. Putin rejoices.
As of January 8, 2026, President Trump has declared the acquisition of Greenland an "
absolute necessity" for U.S. national security and stated the U.S. will gain control of it "
one way or the other". While the administration is actively discussing takeover options, including
military force, there is no official confirmation of an imminent "takeover" or invasion.
Current Status and Developments (January 2026)
- Active Discussions: The White House confirmed on January 7, 2026, that Trump and his national security team are discussing a range of options for Greenland, which includes "utilizing the U.S. military".
- Diplomacy vs. Force: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that while "all options are on the table," diplomacy remains the president's first choice. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that the preferred method is an outright purchase, though Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly insisted the island is not for sale.
- Escalated Rhetoric: Following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela in early January 2026, top aides like Stephen Miller have asserted that Greenland "rightfully belongs to the United States" and that no country would pose a serious military deterrent to a takeover.
Proposed Methods of Acquisition
- Purchase: Seeking to buy the territory from Denmark, similar to the 1867 Alaska Purchase.
- Compact of Free Association (COFA): A deal where the U.S. provides defense and economic aid in exchange for military rights, similar to agreements with Palau or the Marshall Islands.
- Military Force: Though considered a "nightmare scenario" by analysts, the administration has refused to rule out military intervention or annexation.
- Economic/Political Pressure: Using tariffs or threats to withdraw from NATO to coerce Denmark into a deal.
Obstacles to a Takeover
- Sovereignty: Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, and both governments have firmly rejected all U.S. bids.
- NATO Crisis: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any U.S. attack on Greenland would signal the "end of NATO".
- Domestic Opposition: Even within the Republican party, some lawmakers have called the idea of using force against an ally "appalling" and "foolish," noting that Congress would likely not authorize such action.
- International Law: Analysts and European leaders emphasize that a forced takeover would violate the UN Charter regarding the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity.
So, this pretty much justifies Putin taking over part of Ukraine. ...and NATO will cease to exist. Europe is alone in defending itself from any outside threat. This should have happened when the Soviet Union dissolved in December 1991.