US President Donald Trump has shifted his focus towards Greenland’s mineral resources following the recent operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of its President Nicolas Maduro.  

Trump has long considered Greenland, a strategic asset due to its rare earths and other critical minerals and geographical position in the Arctic, a region where both Russia and China are expanding their influence, reported Bloomberg. 

Greenland was crucial during the Second World War and the Cold War, and currently hosts US missile defence radars.  

This interest in Greenland is not new, with former president Harry Truman attempting to purchase it in 1946 for $100m in gold, although Denmark declined. 

The Trump administration is reportedly considering acquiring Greenland as a national security measure, although Denmark has strongly opposed such actions.  

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any attempt to seize Greenland could severely damage the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation alliance. 

While the White House has not dismissed military options, there have been contradictory statements from US officials regarding intentions towards Greenland. 

Jeff Landry, Trump's special envoy to Greenland, was cited by Bloomberg as saying on CNBC that the president is not ready to seize the territory.  

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Congress that purchasing Greenland remains the aim, rather than an invasion.  

Rubio is expected to meet with officials in Denmark next week, said Bloomberg. 

In Congress, reactions have varied among Republican lawmakers regarding the potential annexation of Greenland.  

Some expressed opposition to any forceful measures, while others doubted the likelihood of such an attempt.  

Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy said: “To invade Greenland would be weapons-grade stupid. President Trump is not weapons-grade stupid. Nor is Marco Rubio.”