Former US Ambassador Michael McFaul slams Trump's Greenland plan as 'completely insane'
WASHINGTON, DC: Former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul sharply criticized President Donald Trump's renewed push to acquire Greenland, calling the idea “completely insane” on multiple levels.
The comments came during an appearance on 'The 11th Hour' on MS NOW on Tuesday, January 6, where McFaul responded to questions about the potential geopolitical fallout if the United States were to pursue control of the autonomous Danish territory by force.
The White House recently confirmed that Trump and his advisers are exploring a range of options to “acquire” Greenland, including, controversially, the possible use of US military force.
There is too much resignation these days among foreign policy elites about the end of the “liberal international order” or “rules-based order” or “transatlantic partnership “. One man is driving all of this. That’s it. There’s no mass movement supporting an invasion of Greenland…
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) January 7, 2026
Michael McFaul warns seizing Greenland could end NATO alliance
Greenland, home to around 56,000 people, is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and part of the NATO alliance.
McFaul warned that any military attempt to take Greenland from a NATO partner would “effectively be one NATO country going after another,” likely spelling the end of the alliance.
“There is no national security interest that we need to seize Greenland,” McFaul said, noting that the US already maintains military bases on the island and could work through negotiation rather than force.
He added that reverting to “19th-century imperialism” would alienate the United States from allies and embolden adversaries such as China.
US allies echo concerns about Trump’s Greenland plan
Critics internationally have echoed concerns, with Denmark, other European leaders and NATO officials rejecting the notion that Greenland is for sale and warning that aggressive moves could undermine decades of post-war security cooperation.
Trump’s focus on Greenland follows heightened global tensions, including recent US military action in Venezuela, and has reignited debates about American foreign policy, alliance commitments and the strategic competition in the Arctic region.
White House explores multiple options to acquire Greenland
The White House announced that acquiring Greenland is now a “priority” for US national security. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the administration is exploring multiple ways to achieve this, including the possible use of the military.
Leavitt said that “President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region.”
She also made it clear that the military could play a role in the plan, stating, “The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the US Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief’s disposal.”
Beyond potential military action, the United States is reportedly considering acquiring Greenland from Denmark or establishing a special partnership known as a “compact of free association.”
Such agreements involve the US providing financial assistance in exchange for the right to maintain military bases, similar to arrangements it has with the Marshall Islands.
Trump has discussed the idea for months, citing Greenland’s vast mineral resources and strategic location. He recently told NBC News that he was “very serious” about acquiring the territory.
