A political move in Washington has intensified global attention on Greenland, after a Republican congressman introduced a bill to annex the Arctic territory as a US state.
The proposal comes amid renewed threats by President Donald Trump to seize Greenland, despite firm opposition from Denmark and its allies.
On Monday, Florida Republican Representative Randy Fine unveiled legislation that would allow the United States to annex Greenland and potentially make it the 51st US state.
The bill, which has already stirred debate, is being framed as a national security measure at a time of rising global competition in the Arctic.
According to Fine, the legislation would authorise the president “to take whatever steps necessary to annex or acquire Greenland.”
The proposal also mandates that the Trump administration submit a detailed report to Congress outlining legal changes required to absorb the territory into the US system.
Trump has repeatedly insisted that the United States will take Greenland “one way or the other,” raising alarm across Europe.
He has floated options ranging from purchasing the territory to using force, a stance that has been strongly rejected by Denmark.
Greenland remains an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty and is part of the NATO security framework.
Moreover, Fine argued that the island’s strategic value could no longer be ignored.
“Greenland is not a distant outpost we can afford to ignore it is a vital national security asset,” he said in a statement.
Trump has echoed this view, stressing Greenland’s rare earth mineral resources and its importance to Arctic defence. He has warned that Russia or China could step in if the US fails to act.
However, the rhetoric has triggered strong resistance. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cautioned that any armed action by the United States against Greenland would effectively end NATO as a military alliance.
Her warning has heightened concerns among European partners, who view the statements as a serious breach of alliance norms.
Meanwhile, both NATO and Greenland’s government have signalled plans to strengthen the island’s defence posture.
Officials said discussions are ongoing to improve security cooperation, addressing concerns raised by Trump without undermining international law or self-determination.
The Greenland annexation bill has also drawn criticism within the US. Lawmakers from both parties have questioned the legality and diplomatic consequences of such a move.
Nevertheless, the proposal reflects a growing push in Washington to assert control over strategic regions as global power rivalries intensify.
