January 6, 2026


Speaker Johnson Opposes Military Action in Greenland Amid White House Acquisition Talks

In a striking divergence from the White House's recent statements, Speaker Mike Johnson firmly dismissed the idea of U.S. military intervention in Greenland. This rebuttal came shortly after the White House hinted that military action could be a viable approach to acquiring the Arctic territory.

"No, I don't think that's appropriate," Johnson stated in a press briefing on Tuesday evening. His comment was a direct response to an earlier statement from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who mentioned that "utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief’s disposal."

The controversy began after President Donald Trump expressed a desire to acquire Greenland, a move that has been viewed by many as strategically advantageous for the United States. However, the notion of using military force to facilitate this acquisition has sparked significant backlash and debate.

During the discussion with reporters, Johnson seemed surprised by the White House's aggressive stance, noting that he had not been made aware of the press secretary’s statement prior to the briefing. He emphasized the strategic value of Greenland but advocated for more diplomatic approaches rather than military involvement.

The topic of Greenland did not surface in earlier conversations between Johnson and President Trump during the House GOP retreat, which suggests that the idea may not have been fully veted with key congressional leaders.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the U.S. will proceed with its interest in Greenland. The international community and Greenlandic officials have yet to respond formally to the unfolding events. Meanwhile, Johnson's remarks underscore a critical divide in U.S. leadership on how best to approach territorial expansions and international negotiations.