Sen. Marco Rubio told lawmakers that President Trump has discussed buying Greenland rather than using military force, The New York Times reported. Reuters has said the White House explored options such as a Compact of Free Association that would extend U.S. services and security while preserving Greenland’s formal independence. Greenlandic and Danish leaders, along with several NATO allies and U.S. senators, strongly rejected any suggestion of coercion and emphasized respect for sovereignty and treaty obligations.
Rubio Says Trump May Seek To Buy Greenland — Denmark, Greenland And NATO Push Back
Trump has previously declined to rule out a military invasion of Greenland, but Marco Rubio is now saying the president is planning on attempting to buy the territory instead. / Alex Wong/Getty Images
Sen. Marco Rubio told lawmakers that President Donald Trump has discussed acquiring Greenland through purchase rather than by military action, The New York Times reported after a briefing with members of the armed services and foreign policy committees.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were abducted and flown to New York to stand trial for a number of charges, including narco-terrorism and cocaine importation. / XNY/Star Max/GC Images
What Was Reported
According to news reports, White House officials have explored a range of options to increase U.S. influence in Greenland short of annexation. Reuters has reported that one option under consideration was a Compact of Free Association-style arrangement in which the United States would offer services, security guarantees and favorable trade terms while Greenland retained formal independence. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Katie Miller posts about the U.S. plans for Greenland on X. / X
Reactions And Concerns
Greenlandic and Danish leaders rejected suggestions that the island is for sale. Greenland’s premier responded on social media with a clear rebuke: “That’s enough now. No more pressure. No more hints. No more fantasies about annexation.”
Trump's threats to takeover the island have been met with protests in Denmark and Greenland. / SOPA Images / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett
“Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.” — Joint statement by several NATO ally leaders
U.S. senators from both parties also warned against coercive approaches. Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who co-chair the Senate NATO Observer Group, said the United States must honor treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of allies.
Context And Notes
Beyond statements from officials and lawmakers, attention in media and social accounts drew notice: a social post from Katie Miller, the wife of a White House aide, showed an image of Greenland overlaid with a U.S. flag and the word “SOON,” which observers read as signaling interest in greater U.S. influence. The White House has characterized Greenland’s status and location as strategically important to U.S. defense, and stated that a range of policy options remain under discussion.
This episode highlights the diplomatic sensitivity of discussing changes to the status of territories that are closely tied to allied countries and to international law. Any proposal affecting Greenland would require consultation with and consent from Greenland and Denmark, and would face scrutiny from NATO partners and the international community.
Sources: The New York Times, Reuters, public statements from U.S. senators and allied leaders.
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