U.S. President Donald Trump and his team say they're actively exploring options to acquire Greenland, with discussions including the potential use of U.S. military, which is "always an option," according to a statement from the White House on Tuesday.

The ambition to acquire Greenland, an Arctic island that has been at the centre of strategic interest from both Russia and China, has resurfaced in recent days. This comes in the wake of the U.S. arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday (3 January). Despite Greenland’s firm stance in rejecting any desire to become part of the United States, the U.S. administration remains undeterred.

A White House spokesperson, in response to queries from Reuters, confirmed that President Trump views the acquisition of Greenland as a national security priority. The aim, according to the statement, is to "deter our adversaries in the Arctic region."

“The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the U.S. military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal,” the White House stated.

Sources within the U.S. government revealed that discussions about acquiring Greenland are ongoing in the Oval Office, with advisers deliberating various potential strategies. Trump’s push for the island has not been swayed by strong statements from NATO leaders in support of Greenland’s sovereignty, which remains fiercely defended by its local population.

“It’s not going away,” one senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, said of Trump’s goal to secure Greenland before the end of his presidency.

Options being considered include the outright purchase of Greenland or the creation of a Compact of Free Association (COFA). A COFA would offer a different arrangement, stopping short of full U.S. statehood for the island, while still securing significant strategic ties. No potential price for such a purchase has been disclosed.

The U.S. administration argues that Greenland is crucial due to its untapped deposits of minerals, many of which are vital for high-tech and military applications. Despite the island’s significant resources, these remain largely unexploited due to challenges such as a shortage of labour and inadequate infrastructure. International reactions and NATO's support for Greenland

NATO leaders, along with Canada and other European powers, have consistently voiced their support for Greenland, asserting that the island belongs to its people and should remain free from foreign control.

However, the U.S. President’s interest in Greenland appears far from fading.

"Diplomacy is always the president’s first option with anything, and dealmaking. He loves deals," the senior official stated. "So if a good deal can be struck to acquire Greenland, that would definitely be his first instinct."

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Despite international pushback, discussions on how to approach the potential acquisition of Greenland remain firmly in play as the Trump administration seeks to secure its position in the Arctic.

As the geopolitical importance of the Arctic region continues to grow, particularly in relation to climate change, mineral resources, and military strategy, Trump’s plans for Greenland remain a hotly debated issue.

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