US President Donald Trump and his officials are actively discussing a potential offer to buy the Danish territory of Greenland, the White House has confirmed.

It is something that's currently being actively discussed by the president and his national security team, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday.

Both Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly stressed the island was not for sale.

Asked why the Trump administration had previously said it was not ruling out using military force to acquire Greenland, Leavitt replied that all options were always on the table but Trump's first option always has been diplomacy.

Concerns over the future of the territory resurfaced after Trump's unilateral use of military force against Venezuela on Saturday to seize its President Nicolás Maduro. Denmark, a fellow NATO ally, says an attack on its territory would end the military alliance.

The Trump administration says Greenland is vital to US security, as its location between North America and the Arctic makes it well-placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks and for monitoring vessels in the region.

In recent years, there has also been increased interest in Greenland's natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron that are becoming easier to access as its ice melts due to climate change.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would hold talks with Denmark next week. Trump previously made an offer to buy the island in 2019, only to be told it was not for sale.

Leavitt stated, The acquisition of Greenland by the United States is not a new idea, noting that the president views it as essential for deterring Russian and Chinese aggression in the Arctic region.

Earlier in the day, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Rubio had ruled out the possibility of an invasion of Greenland in a phone call with him.

A joint statement from European leaders expressed support for Denmark, emphasizing that Greenland belongs to its people and any decisions regarding its future should be made by Denmark and Greenland.

Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic representative, criticized the US stance as disrespectful and warned of potential pressure from the US to gain influence over Greenland's future.

Despite the controversy, opinions among Greenlanders vary, some expressing indifference toward possible US ownership.