US-Denmark Talks on Greenland End in Stalemate as Trump Pushes for Control
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance met with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt at the White House on Wednesday. The high-level discussions occurred against a backdrop of continued pressure from President Donald Trump regarding Greenland's status.
Trump's Persistent Demands
Ahead of the meeting, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to reiterate his position. He insisted that NATO should support the United States' push to take control of Greenland. The president argued this move was essential for his proposed Golden Dome air and missile defense system.
"NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable," Trump wrote. He added a stark warning: "IF WE DON'T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!"
Key Outcomes from the Meeting
Despite the tense atmosphere, the diplomatic talks yielded some concrete steps forward. Rasmussen and Motzfeldt announced that the United States and Denmark will establish a working group to address various issues related to Greenland. This group is expected to begin meeting in the coming weeks.
Rasmussen indicated that Denmark and Greenland remain open to the possibility of additional US military bases on the island. However, he emphasized clear boundaries. "We agreed that it makes sense to try to sit down on a high level to explore whether there are possibilities to accommodate the concerns of the president while we, at the same time, respect the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark," the Danish foreign minister stated.
Unchanged US Position
The American delegation maintained its firm stance throughout the discussions. Washington continues to assert that it must acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory rich in minerals and strategic importance. Rasmussen and Motzfeldt both described such a move as an unacceptable violation of sovereignty.
Speaking to reporters outside the Danish embassy in Washington, Rasmussen acknowledged the impasse. "We didn't manage to change the American position. It's clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland," he said.
Security Partnerships and Arctic Concerns
Rasmussen highlighted the longstanding security partnership between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States. He noted that Danish forces served alongside US troops in Afghanistan during the 2000s. He described both Denmark and Greenland as among Washington's closest allies.
Despite differing views on Greenland's future, all parties share common concerns about security in the Arctic region. Rasmussen addressed Trump's warnings about China and Russia directly. He stated there is no immediate danger from either country that Denmark and Greenland cannot manage.
"There is currently no Chinese presence in Greenland," Rasmussen pointed out. He downplayed speculation about potential Chinese involvement emerging in the next decade or two. The foreign minister also emphasized that Greenland, through Denmark, remains part of NATO and is protected under Article 5, which guarantees collective defense.
Fundamental Disagreement Remains
Rasmussen characterized the meeting as "frank but constructive," yet acknowledged that a "fundamental disagreement" persists. "I'm not saying anything is solved. It's not solved," he added bluntly.
Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt echoed this sentiment while stressing her territory's position. She acknowledged Greenland's need to deepen cooperation with the United States as an ally but insisted this should not compromise sovereignty. "That doesn't mean we want to be owned by the United States," she stated clearly.
Motzfeldt emphasized the importance of finding the "right path forward" and working toward stronger mutual understanding. She called for a return to stable relations between the two nations. "The US and Greenland need to return to the normalized relationship we used to have. It's in both countries' interest to find a balance and work as allies. We are allies, we are friends," she urged.
Military Demonstrations in the Arctic
As diplomatic talks unfolded in Washington, military preparations advanced in the Arctic region. At Denmark's request, several NATO countries confirmed they will deploy personnel to Greenland this week for a joint exercise called "Operation Arctic Endurance."
Ahead of the White House meeting, Denmark revealed plans to strengthen its military presence on the island. These activities could include guarding national infrastructure, deploying fighter aircraft, and carrying out naval operations. Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway have reportedly confirmed their participation to demonstrate support for both Copenhagen and Nuuk.
The simultaneous diplomatic and military developments underscore the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Greenland. While working groups will continue discussions, fundamental disagreements over sovereignty and control remain unresolved between the United States and its NATO allies.
