US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told American lawmakers on Wednesday that President Donald Trump is seeking to acquire Greenland through negotiations rather than through any immediate use of military force. The remarks were delivered during a closed-door briefing with congressional leaders, according to reports familiar with the discussion. Rubio attempted to reassure lawmakers that the administration’s current approach is centered on diplomacy, even as debate over Greenland has intensified both domestically and among US allies.
During the briefing, Rubio addressed concerns raised by members of Congress about whether the White House was considering military action to secure control of the vast Arctic territory. He reportedly emphasized that the administration’s goal is to pressure Denmark into formal negotiations over Greenland’s future, not to forcibly seize the self-governing region. Rubio’s comments were aimed at easing fears that the situation could escalate into a military confrontation.
President Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland has brought fresh attention to the strategic importance of the Arctic, a region increasingly shaped by competition among major powers. Trump has argued that US control of Greenland is critical for national security, citing concerns about growing Russian and Chinese influence and the region’s significant reserves of valuable minerals. These statements have unsettled European allies, particularly within NATO, who worry about the broader implications for regional stability and alliance unity.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump reiterated his view that Greenland is essential to US security interests. He said the United States “needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security,” reinforcing his long-standing position that the territory holds strategic value beyond its geographic size and population.
Despite Rubio’s reassurances, mixed signals have continued to emerge from within the administration. Senior adviser Stephen Miller suggested in a recent interview that military options should not be dismissed outright, saying he did not believe any country would militarily challenge the United States over Greenland’s future. Such comments have heightened anxiety among NATO allies, who have warned that any attack on Greenland could seriously undermine the alliance and strain transatlantic relations.
Questions about a potential US offer to purchase Greenland have also persisted. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the idea is being actively discussed by Trump and his national security team. When pressed on why the administration has not ruled out the use of force, Leavitt said the president would not publicly limit US foreign policy options, while stressing that diplomacy remains his preferred course of action.
Leavitt also addressed concerns about Trump’s commitment to NATO, repeating his earlier statement that the United States would continue to support the alliance, even as he has criticized other members for not contributing enough. The ongoing debate over Greenland underscores the administration’s broader approach to foreign policy, blending assertive rhetoric with assurances that negotiation remains the primary tool for advancing US interests.
