In Washington, on January 7, Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed U.S. lawmakers that President Donald Trump is intent on acquiring Greenland through diplomatic talks with Denmark. Contrary to recent strong statements from the White House, these do not indicate any immediate military action, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

During a confidential briefing with congressional leaders, Rubio aimed to alleviate fears that the Trump administration was considering military intervention to claim the Arctic island. Sources familiar with the meeting shared insights with the Journal.

As per the report, Rubio highlighted that the administration's strategy focuses on pressuring Denmark to engage in negotiations regarding Greenland’s future, rather than resorting to military force. This statement comes amidst increasingly assertive public remarks from Trump and his senior staff, who have not dismissed the possibility of military involvement.

The White House has consistently positioned Greenland as a matter of national security. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump views the acquisition of Greenland as crucial for U.S. national security and for countering adversaries in the Arctic, mentioning that the president is evaluating “a variety of options” to achieve this objective.

Trump has maintained that U.S. oversight of the island would serve to counteract Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic and ensure access to vital minerals.

Rubio’s briefing came in response to inquiries from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer regarding potential military actions not only in Greenland but also in other regions like Mexico. His remarks seemed intended to calm those apprehensions, according to the report.

Nonetheless, the administration has conveyed mixed messages. Stephen Miller, one of Trump’s key advisers, stated in a televised interview that he wouldn't dismiss military action regarding Greenland, asserting that “nobody’s going to engage the United States militarily over the future of Greenland.”

Trump himself has been straightforward, telling reporters on Air Force One that the United States “requires Greenland from a national security perspective,” and suggested that both U.S. and European leaders comprehend this stance.

The possibility of U.S. military action has raised alarms among allies. NATO members have cautioned that an American attack on Greenland—a self-governing territory within Denmark, a NATO ally—could jeopardize the alliance.

European officials informed the Journal that they have not observed any tangible indications that the United States is gearing up for an invasion. However, anxiety over potential aggressive American actions has spread across Europe, prompting six leaders to join Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in advocating for “collective efforts” with the U.S. on Arctic security.

In response, Denmark has suggested increased U.S. basing rights in Greenland and offered enhanced access to mining, alongside pledging billions for Arctic defense infrastructure.

Polls referenced in the report indicate that a majority of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States, adding further complexity to Trump’s ambitions.

Rubio’s statements emerged during a broader briefing on the U.S. operation to unseat Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, which has intensified concerns among lawmakers and allies that Trump is increasingly inclined to use military force to reshape U.S. foreign policy.

Despite Rubio’s efforts to reassure Congress, the Journal noted that Trump continues to keep all options open—including military ones—as he presses Denmark to negotiate over the world’s largest island.