President Donald Trump maintains his unwavering interest in acquiring the Arctic territory of Greenland, framing the effort as essential to U.S. security, even as leaders in the region express frustration over the approach.

During a White House briefing Monday, officials emphasized the Trump administration's continued determination to gain control of Greenland, underscoring what they described as its growing geopolitical importance despite strong pushback from Greenlandic leaders, as Newsmax reports.

Speaking at a press event, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president believes the United States must obtain Greenland “in whatever means we can." Leavitt cited both Arctic strategy and national interest in defending the renewed focus on the island.

Greenland, an autonomous territory under Denmark's jurisdiction, has increasingly been considered strategically critical due to its location and resources, U.S. officials say. Trump first floated the idea of acquiring the island during his first term, but the concept drew criticism internationally and domestically.

Asked if Trump would be scheduling a visit to Greenland to advance discussions, Leavitt clarified that no such trips had been planned. She pointed out that the president had recently returned from a diplomatic trip to the Middle East and that no new travel announcements were available.

President sees Greenland as security asset

The administration's stance on Greenland is not new. In an interview with NBC News earlier this year, Trump said U.S. military involvement to secure the island was a possibility. “It could happen,” he said, referring to potential action, though he added that no decisions had been made.

Trump elaborated during that interview, saying he was not affirming an intent to use force, but emphasized nothing was off the table in discussions of Greenland’s future. He insisted that the United States “needs Greenland very badly” due to its location and role in global security considerations.

He also attempted to address concerns from Greenlanders, stating that their small population would be supported under any arrangement. Trump said, “We’ll take care of them, and we’ll cherish them,” in an apparent effort to assuage potential unease about U.S. intentions.

Greenland officials reject U.S. initiatives

Despite the assurances, Greenlandic officials have pushed back firmly against Washington’s overtures. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the prime minister of Greenland, publicly criticized Trump’s posture toward the island in an April press conference.

Nielsen said the United States had approached Greenland without due regard for its leadership or autonomy. "The talk from the United States have not been respectful,” Nielsen told reporters, signaling deep concerns over how the matter was being handled diplomatically.

Greenland's resistance is built not just on political concerns, but also on a commitment to self-governance and regional stability, according to local officials.

The relationship between Greenland and Denmark provides the territory with a high degree of autonomy, further complicating any foreign acquisition efforts.

White House defends controversial position

White House officials continue to insist that geography and rising global tensions justify a shift in how the United States views Greenland. Leavitt said the Arctic island plays a key role in broader national interest, and the administration intends to pursue options aligned with those priorities.

“The president maintains the reasoning for Greenland’s strategic purposes,” Leavitt told the press. She added that Trump remains committed to “whatever means we can” as a pathway forward on the issue.

Still, the administration has not elaborated on specific steps it might take to move toward acquiring the territory. The lack of a clear diplomatic or legal framework has drawn skeptics, who question how realistic such a proposal might be under international law and treaty obligations.

International observers remain cautious

Observers note that the United States does not currently have any precedent for acquiring modern autonomous territories like Greenland without widespread consent. The idea of acquisition by force or coercion would face intense scrutiny from the international community.

Trump, while careful not to promise military action, has continued to leave open the possibility if deemed necessary. His statement that “I don’t rule out anything” has raised questions about how far the administration might be willing to go.

Whether viewed as strategic foresight or diplomatic overreach, Trump's comments have reignited global discussion about the Arctic’s emerging role in world affairs. But for now, stiff resistance from Greenland's leaders and ongoing ambiguity in U.S. planning keep the matter far from resolved.