Rubio insists Trump's threats of force against Greenland will soften-up Denmark for a deal

In a recent closed-door briefing, Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered lawmakers a rare glimpse into the U.S. administration’s intentions toward Greenland. According to sources familiar with the discussions, Rubio emphasized that the administration’s increasingly aggressive public statements about Greenland do not signal an imminent invasion. Instead, the ultimate goal is to purchase the island from Denmark.

Despite these reassurances, the White House has continued to issue strong statements suggesting military options remain on the table. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States. The president and his team are exploring multiple options to pursue this goal, including utilizing the U.S. military.”

President Trump first raised the idea of buying Greenland during his initial term, and his interest has only intensified. The island, which is self-governing but part of Denmark, is strategically vital due to its location in the Arctic. NATO members have warned that any U.S. military move against Greenland would threaten the alliance and potentially unravel decades of cooperation.

During the briefing, Rubio addressed concerns about potential military action, which were raised in the context of the administration’s plans regarding Venezuela and broader foreign policy. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer asked whether military force might be used in other regions, including Mexico and Greenland. Rubio reportedly downplayed the likelihood of such action, stressing that the focus remains on negotiation rather than force.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, echoed this sentiment, noting that U.S. efforts concerning Greenland are largely about negotiating legal control and protections for potential U.S. activities on the island, including infrastructure development and strategic deployments.

European and U.S. officials note that, so far, there is no evidence of the White House preparing a military invasion of Greenland. Instead, Denmark has responded with offers to increase U.S. military presence on the island and grant expanded mining rights to American companies. The Danish government has also invested in Greenland’s security infrastructure, planning billions in new ships and aircraft to address Arctic security concerns.

Despite assurances, some lawmakers and European officials remain concerned about the Trump administration’s openness to force, citing recent U.S. operations in Venezuela, Nigeria, and Iran as examples of a more interventionist posture. Stephen Miller, a close Trump aide, refused to rule out military action in a recent interview, fueling continued apprehension.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued a clear warning: any U.S. attack on Greenland would have severe consequences. “Everything would come to an end if one NATO country attacked another,” Frederiksen said, emphasizing that such a move would undermine democratic norms, NATO, and global security.

For the U.S., Greenland is more than a remote island it’s a critical asset for Arctic security, natural resources, and countering Russian and Chinese influence in the region. The administration’s push to gain control, whether through purchase or legal agreements, reflects the growing geopolitical importance of the Arctic in global defense strategy.