Looks like war in Greenland is a possibility as White House confirms military force is ‘always an option’

The White House confirmed that using the US military to acquire Greenland is officially “always an option” being considered by President Trump and his team. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, released a statement on emphasizing that the administration is looking at “a range of options” in its effort to secure the massive Arctic territory. President Trump sees this acquisition as a top national security priority for the United States.

Leavitt laid out the administration’s stance clearly, stating, “President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region.” She stressed that while they are discussing many options to pursue this foreign policy goal, utilizing the military is “always an option at the commander in chief’s disposal.”

Naturally, this assertive stance hasn’t sat well with our European allies. In a strong show of unity, the prime minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, joined leaders from France, Germany, and the UK in issuing a joint statement. They urged the United States to respect Denmark’s sovereignty and noted that Greenland is already part of NATO, per The Guardian.

Using the military to anex a country is generally considered an act of war

Their message was simple and direct: “Greenland belongs to its people.” This whole situation is definitely escalating the Arctic security conversation among NATO members. The Greenland situation isn’t the only example of President Trump pursuing aggressive international goals this week.

The administration is also touting a significant deal with Venezuela. President Trump claimed that Venezuela would be “turning over” $2 billion worth of crude oil to the US. This negotiation is huge because it helps Venezuela avoid deeper cuts to its oil production while simultaneously diverting supplies that would typically go to China.

President Trump took to his social media platform to confirm that he will personally control the funds from the sale. He posted that the oil “will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!” While Venezuelan officials haven’t commented, this agreement is a strong indicator that the government is finally responding to demands to open up to US oil companies, potentially avoiding further military intervention in that region.

You’re seeing similar shifts in long-standing US policy elsewhere, particularly regarding Israel. Israel is quietly moving forward with construction on a massive, highly controversial settlement project known as “E1” in the heart of the West Bank. The Israel Land Authority posted a tender in mid-December for the construction of 3,401 new homes. Critics and supporters alike agree that this project is designed to “bury the idea of a Palestinian state.”

The E1 project is particularly damaging because it would sever the north and south parts of the occupied West Bank for Palestinians and further isolate East Jerusalem. Construction on this specific site was blocked for years by the US and European allies.

Back on the domestic front, the fifth anniversary of the January 6 insurrection passed largely in silence among Congressional Republicans on Tuesday. While Democrats used the occasion to condemn the administration, the Republican party remained quiet. This week also saw the Republican House majority shrink further following the death of California Republican congressman Doug LaMalfa, who was 65. That cuts the Republican majority to a very slim 218-213.