US secretary of state Marco Rubio says Trump’s offer to ‘buy’ Greenland is ‘not a joke’
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that President Donald Trump’s proposal to purchase Greenland is a serious initiative and “not a joke.” During an interview on the Megyn Kelly Show, Rubio emphasized that acquiring Greenland aligns with US national interests due to its strategic location and potential resources, particularly as the Arctic region becomes increasingly important for global shipping and security.
Rubio stated, “This is not about acquiring land for the purpose of acquiring land. This is in our national interest and it needs to be solved,” highlighting concerns over China’s growing influence in the Arctic. He warned that if the US does not secure a presence in Greenland, China might establish facilities there that could serve military purposes. He also noted that the US military has a base in northwestern Greenland, underscoring its strategic importance.
Despite the seriousness of the proposal, Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has firmly stated that the island is not for sale, and a recent poll indicated that 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the US. Rubio acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding discussions of such acquisitions and suggested that negotiations should ideally occur through formal diplomatic channels rather than public statements.
Rubio’s comments come as part of a broader strategy to enhance US presence in the Arctic amidst rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with China. He mentioned that the Arctic’s melting ice is making valuable shipping routes more accessible, which further elevates its significance for US energy exports and national security.