US President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered American military forces to draw up a plan for the potential takeover of Greenland, according to multiple news reports. The plan, first reported by the Daily Mail, would see the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) tasked with preparing contingency strategies for a possible invasion of the Arctic island, a move that has sparked resistance from senior US military leaders who argue it would be unlawful and lack congressional approval. 

Trump has publicly insisted the United States needs Greenland “very badly” on national security grounds, warning that if the US does not take the territory, rival powers such as Russia or China could gain influence there. He has said he prefers to make a deal to acquire the island but has repeatedly suggested it could be taken “the hard way” if necessary. 

Greenland’s government and political leaders have firmly rejected the idea of becoming part of the United States, with official statements declaring that a US takeover is unacceptable “under any circumstance”. Denmark, which has sovereignty over the autonomous territory, and several European allies have also condemned Trump’s rhetoric. Efforts are underway to secure Greenland’s defence through NATO cooperation and bolster resistance to external control, underscoring widespread opposition to any forced transfer of sovereignty.