Greenland’s political leadership has responded strongly, issuing unified statements rejecting any attempt to place the territory under U.S. control
Digital Desk: In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly instructed special forces commanders to draft a military plan for the invasion of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The directive, conveyed to the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), has faced resistance from senior U.S. military officials, who have reportedly raised concerns that such an action would be illegal and unlikely to receive congressional approval.
The reported order emerged during strategic discussions at a White House meeting with oil and gas industry executives, underscoring the administration’s growing focus on Greenland’s strategic importance in the Arctic. President Trump has repeatedly described the mineral-rich island, located along vital maritime routes, as essential to U.S. national security. He has warned that if the United States does not act decisively, rival powers such as Russia and China could expand their influence over the region.
Greenland’s political leadership has responded strongly, issuing unified statements rejecting any attempt to place the territory under U.S. control. Leaders stressed that Greenland’s future must be determined by its own people and condemned what they described as external interference in their sovereign affairs.
The developments have also raised alarm in Denmark and among NATO allies, with officials cautioning that any forced takeover could undermine alliance unity and the post-World War II international security framework. Denmark, which is responsible for Greenland’s defence under existing agreements, has reiterated that international law and diplomatic engagement must guide any decisions regarding the island’s status.
As discussions continue in Washington and across allied capitals, the possibility of military action in the Arctic has intensified geopolitical concerns, prompting renewed debate over the limits of presidential authority and the future of U.S.–Danish relations.