U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that seizing Greenland by "military means" remains an option for the United States, as President Donald Trump again raised the possibility of acquiring the territory. Rubio indicated he would meet with Danish officials next week to discuss the matter further.

Rubio, when questioned about potential concerns from NATO allies regarding such a move, acknowledged the president's authority to use force, but emphasized that diplomacy is the preferred approach. The statements were made on January 7, 2026, and quickly circulated on social media platforms.

The renewed interest in Greenland stems from its strategic location and abundant natural resources, including rare earth minerals crucial for advanced technologies. The U.S. has historically maintained a military presence in Greenland, notably through the Thule Air Base, a key component of its ballistic missile early warning system.

The concept of acquiring Greenland is not new. President Harry Truman explored purchasing the island in 1946, offering Denmark $100 million. Denmark, however, rejected the offer. Trump's previous expressions of interest in buying Greenland in 2019 were also met with resistance from Danish officials, who asserted that Greenland was not for sale.

The potential use of military force, even as a hypothetical option, raises significant ethical and geopolitical concerns. International law governs the use of force between nations, and any unilateral action by the U.S. could be viewed as a violation of sovereignty and a breach of international norms. Furthermore, such a move could strain relations with Denmark, a close U.S. ally and NATO member, and potentially destabilize the Arctic region.

The situation highlights the increasing strategic importance of the Arctic as climate change melts ice caps, opening up new shipping routes and access to previously inaccessible resources. Several nations, including Russia and China, are also increasing their presence in the Arctic, leading to heightened competition and potential for conflict.

Rubio's upcoming meeting with Danish officials will likely focus on exploring avenues for cooperation in Greenland, potentially including investments in infrastructure and resource development. The U.S. government has not released further details regarding the specific agenda for the meeting. The international community will be closely watching the developments, as the future of Greenland and the Arctic region remains a subject of intense geopolitical interest.