US President Donald Trump is weighing a range of options to bring Greenland under American control, including the possible use of military force, the White House confirmed on Tuesday. According to presidential spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, Trump sees the mineral-rich Arctic territory as a key national security asset, particularly in the context of growing Russian and Chinese activity in the region.

Leavitt said the administration is discussing multiple approaches to achieve what she described as an important foreign policy objective. She underlined that, as commander in chief, Trump has access to all available instruments, including the military, although no decision has been announced. The renewed focus on Greenland comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and follows recent US military action against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Trump has repeatedly argued that American control of Greenland would be both necessary and strategic. He has pointed to increased competition in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and exposing untapped reserves of rare earth minerals. The United States already maintains a military presence on the island through the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, which plays a role in missile defense and space surveillance.

Despite the White House rhetoric, senior officials have sought to calm fears of an imminent military move. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that Trump’s preferred path remains a negotiated purchase of Greenland from Denmark. Media reports quoted Rubio as saying internal discussions should not be interpreted as preparations for an invasion.

Members of the US Congress from both parties have publicly rejected the idea of military annexation. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said such an action would not be appropriate, while Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego stated he would work to block any attempt to use force against Greenland.

At the same time, some figures within Trump’s inner circle have taken a harder line. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said in a recent interview that Greenland should ultimately become part of the United States and claimed that no country would be willing to confront Washington militarily over its future. Miller also questioned the legal basis of Denmark’s claim to the territory.

Greenland was under Danish colonial rule for centuries before becoming an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. Today, it is a self-governing territory with the right to seek full independence under international law. The United States formally recognized Denmark’s sovereignty over the entire island in the early 20th century.

Greenlandic leaders have reacted firmly to Washington’s statements. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and that decisions about its future can only be made by its own people. He said both Greenland and Denmark have called for urgent talks with the United States to address what they describe as misunderstandings.