Donald Trump’s government is “actively” discussing the possible purchase of Greenland, said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt at a press conference this Wednesday (7).
She reinforced that Trump prioritizes a diplomatic solution, but keeps options open.
Greenland made international headlines following the US capture of Nicolás Maduro, with Trump renewing his interest in obtaining the Arctic island.
American officials have repeatedly stated that the territory is imperative to the country’s national security.
According to Leavitt, the acquisition of Greenland is “something that is being actively discussed by the president and his national security team,” describing the island as “advantageous to the national security of the United States.”
She further highlighted that Trump “considers it to be in the best interest of the United States to deter Russian and Chinese aggression in the Arctic region, which is why his team is discussing what a possible purchase would look like.”
Leavitt was also asked why Trump did not rule out military action to take control of Greenland, a possibility that provoked a strong reaction from Denmark and other NATO allies, the Western military alliance.
“All options are always on the table for President Trump as he weighs what is best for the United States, but I will just say that the president’s first option has always been diplomacy,” she said.
