Rubio assures lawmakers: Trump seeks to buy Greenland, not seize it
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Washington: Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly assured US lawmakers that President Donald Trump intends to acquire Greenland through negotiations with Denmark, rather than through military seizure. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Rubio downplayed the administration's aggressive rhetoric during a closed-door briefing with congressional leaders.
Rubio clarified that the White House's strategy is to pressure Denmark into coming to the negotiating table regarding the future of the Arctic island. The briefing was partly a response to concerns raised by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who questioned if the administration was considering military action in Greenland or Mexico.
Despite Rubio’s attempts to calm fears, the administration continues to send conflicting messages. While Rubio emphasized a diplomatic approach, senior adviser Stephen Miller refused to rule out military action in a recent television interview. Similarly, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the President is considering "a range of options" to secure the island, which he views as vital for deterring Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic.
President Trump has been blunt regarding his intentions, stating aboard Air Force One that the US "needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security."
The prospect of American aggression toward a NATO ally has alarmed European partners. Members of the alliance have warned that a US attack on Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, would effectively dissolve NATO.
While European officials note there are no concrete signs of an imminent invasion, the diplomatic pressure has prompted a counter-offer from Copenhagen. Denmark has proposed expanding US basing rights and offering greater access to mining and critical minerals, alongside a pledge of billions for Arctic defense infrastructure. However, polls indicate that the majority of Greenlanders remain opposed to becoming part of the United States.
(Inputs from IANS)