President Donald Trump ordered the removal of Greenland from under the purview of U.S. European Command to U.S. Northern Command, which is tasked with defending the homeland.
The announcement, which had been expected, came on Tuesday from chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, who said the change “will strengthen the Joint Force’s ability to defend the U.S. homeland, contributing to a more robust defense of the western hemisphere and deepening relationships with Arctic allies and partners.”
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The Trump administration has repeatedly highlighted the strategic significance of the island, one of the few countries, including the United States, with direct access to the Arctic. While attempting to strengthen U.S.-Greenlandic ties, the president has declined to rule out using military force or coercion. The threat of U.S. military force has rankled local leaders.
“Greenland has long played an important role in the defense of North America. Realigning Greenland within U.S. Northern Command’s area of responsibility strengthens our ability to protect the U.S. homeland from today’s threats and emerging challenges,” a statement from Northern Command said.
“U.S. Northern Command is prepared to take on this enhanced relationship and will work with U.S. European Command, Greenland, and the Kingdom of Denmark during the transition,” it continued.
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Last week, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth implied to lawmakers that the Department of Defense has plans drawn up to take Greenland by force.
“Our job at the defense department is to have plans for any particular contingency. Any contingency you need, we’ve got it,” the secretary told the House Armed Services Committee. “We’ve got a building full of planners and we’re prepared to give recommendations whenever needed.”