A Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill to annex Greenland, as Donald Trump continues to hint at the possibility of invading the Danish territory. Florida Congressman Randy Fine unveiled the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act, which would authorise the president to “find the means necessary” to incorporate the island into the United States.
Fine argued that the move is necessary to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, stating: “Our adversaries are trying to establish a foothold in the Arctic, and we can’t let that happen.” However, no credible evidence was provided to support these claims. Any attack on Greenland would be considered an attack on NATO, triggering collective defence obligations.
Denmark, which controls Greenland, has repeatedly refused to sell the territory and has vowed to defend it. The US already enjoys treaty arrangements allowing military bases and resource extraction on the island. Despite this, Trump has claimed Denmark only contributes dog sleds to Greenland’s defence, a claim contradicted by Danish investments in protecting the territory.
Polls show strong opposition to annexation. A Verian survey found 85% of Greenlanders do not wish to leave Denmark for the US, while a YouGov poll indicated 73% of Americans oppose using military force to take Greenland. The bill faces uncertain prospects in Congress, and a Democratic senator has introduced an amendment to block military action against Greenland.
