January 8, 2026 | 01:38 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The White House said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s plan to acquire Greenland is intended to prevent what it described as “aggression” by China and Russia in the Arctic region.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told a press briefing that the potential acquisition of Greenland is being actively discussed by Trump and his national security team.
“The President is very open and clear with all of you and with the world that he views this as the best interest for the United States to prevent Russian and Chinese aggression in the Arctic region, and that is why his team is currently discussing what form that potential acquisition could take,” Leavitt said, as quoted by NDTV.
Leavitt said the idea of acquiring Greenland is not new in US history. “The acquisition of Greenland by the United States is not a new idea,” she told reporters. “This is something that Presidents dating back to the 1800s, have said is advantageous for America's national security.”
She added that all options remain on the table, including the use of military force, while stressing that “The President's first option always has been diplomacy.”
Asked whether Trump recognizes Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, Leavitt said she had never personally heard the president question it.
“I have not heard him question it personally,” she said, adding that reporters could raise the issue directly with Trump.
Leavitt also rejected suggestions that no diplomatic engagement with Denmark was taking place. “Who said diplomacy isn't taking place behind the scenes?” she asked. “The President is interested in diplomacy. His national security team is as well.”
She said Trump’s approach is to be direct about US interests while maintaining personal lines of communication.
“He's always willing to pick up the phone,” she said, “but the President is the President of the United States of America, and he's always going to be very clear about what he views as being in our nation's best interest.”
According to Leavitt, greater control in the Arctic would bring benefits beyond military considerations.
“Tighter control over the Arctic region,” she said, was necessary to ensure that "China and Russia and our adversaries cannot continue their aggression in this very important and strategic region."
The remarks come amid renewed efforts by the Trump administration to pursue control over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark with significant strategic value and natural resources, prompting strong reactions from European leaders.
As differences widen between the United States and its NATO allies over the future of the world’s largest island, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he plans to meet with Danish officials next week.
In a related development, Trump mocked NATO member states on social media, saying China and Russia are “not at all afraid” of the alliance without US involvement.
He also questioned whether other NATO members would come to Washington’s aid if the United States were to need assistance.
“The only Nation that China and Russia fear and respect is (Trump's) REBUILT U.S.A.,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform, as quoted by Antara.
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