Washington, January 13 2026, (Agencies) -A Republican member of the United States House of Representatives has introduced legislation that would authorize President Donald Trump to pursue the annexation of Greenland and its eventual admission as the 51st state of the Union, escalating a controversial push by the administration to bring the strategically located Arctic island under American control.
Representative Randy Fine (R-Fla.) on Monday filed the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act, which would empower the president to take “whatever steps necessary to annex or acquire Greenland” and require a report to Congress outlining steps needed to expedite its admission as a US state. The bill also authorizes negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland’s sovereign authority, on such a transfer.
Fine said the legislation aims to secure the United States’ strategic national security interests in the Arctic, countering influence from Russia and China in the region. He described Greenland as a vital asset, noting that control of the island would strengthen US influence over key Arctic shipping lanes and defence infrastructure.
President Trump has repeatedly stated that the United States must “acquire” Greenland to ensure it does not fall under the influence of rival powers, though the White House has not provided a specific timeline for action. Reports indicate Trump has ordered military planners to consider contingency options alongside diplomatic channels.
The proposed bill’s progress in Congress remains uncertain, as the idea of annexing Greenland has drawn criticism from both sides of the US political spectrum. Some lawmakers argue that pursuing such a drastic measure could jeopardize NATO unity, given Denmark’s membership in the alliance and its sovereignty over Greenland.
Greenlandic and Danish authorities have repeatedly rejected proposals to transfer control of the territory to the United States, emphasising that the island’s future should be decided by its people within the framework of international law and existing constitutional arrangements. Greenland’s government has also said it will continue to seek defence cooperation through NATO mechanisms rather than unilateral agreements.
The bill comes amid broader geopolitical competition in the Arctic, where climate change is opening new shipping routes and access to energy and mineral resources is increasing. How Congress responds to the legislation and how Denmark and Greenland react diplomatically will be key developments to watch in the coming weeks.