Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Greenland Rejects US Takeover, NATO Security Discussed
Danish and Greenlandic leaders are meeting with US officials to discuss the US interest in Greenland.
Greenland's Prime Minister said the island wants to stay with Denmark.
US President Trump has said the US wants to take control of Greenland, but Denmark and Greenland have rejected this idea.
They said Greenland is part of Denmark and protected by NATO.
The UK is also supporting Denmark.
NATO's leader said the alliance needs to focus on security in the Arctic, which includes Greenland.
People in Greenland are worried about the US wanting to control their home.
Denmark plans to boost its military presence in Greenland and work with NATO to ensure security in the Arctic.
Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers to meet with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House on Wednesday.
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reaffirmed the island's commitment to Denmark and ruled out becoming a US territory.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated the US would take Greenland 'one way or the other,' indicating potential military action or a deal.
Danish officials are open to expanded US military cooperation in Greenland but have stated the territory is not for sale.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the alliance's focus on Arctic security, which includes Greenland.
- Who
- Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers, US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen
- What
- Meeting to discuss US interest in Greenland and Arctic security, Greenland's rejection of US takeover
- When
- Wednesday (meeting), Tuesday (press conference)
- Where
- White House, Copenhagen, Finland, Norway
- Why
- To address US interest in Greenland, Arctic security, and NATO's role in the region
US Perspective
Denmark and Greenland Perspective
Ownership of Greenland
US Perspective
The US believes Greenland is vital to its security and should be under US control to prevent Russia or China from occupying it.
Denmark and Greenland Perspective
Greenland and Denmark reject the idea of Greenland becoming a US territory, emphasizing their unity and sovereignty.
Military Action
US Perspective
The US has discussed using military force or financial incentives to bring Greenland under its control.
Denmark and Greenland Perspective
Denmark and Greenland view threats of force as reckless and believe security concerns should be resolved among allies.
Diplomatic Approach
US Perspective
The US aims to satisfy its demands for more control over Greenland through diplomatic means.
Denmark and Greenland Perspective
Denmark and Greenland seek to de-escalate the crisis and find a diplomatic solution that respects their sovereignty.
- Meeting Participants
- Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Meeting Location
- White House
- Meeting Date
- Wednesday
- Trump's Statement
- US would take Greenland 'one way or the other'
- NATO Discussion
- Danish Defence Minister to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday
- White House Post
- Edited photo of Trump staring at Greenland map with caption 'Monitoring the situation.'
- Greenland's Stance
- Reaffirmed commitment to Denmark, ruled out becoming a US territory
- US Arctic Commissioner
- Thomas Dans, Trump’s Arctic commissioner, indicated 'meaningful US action' could come soon
- UK's Stance
- Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer supports Denmark's defence of Greenland
- NATO's Role
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized focus on Arctic security
- Denmark's Military Plans
- Denmark to strengthen its military presence in Greenland and increase NATO activities in the Arctic
Sources
Danish, Greenlandic Envoys To Meet Vance, Rubio Tomorrow
White House posts edited pic showing Trump staring at Greenland as US set to host Denmark officials
German Foreign Minister Wadephul says there is more consensus than disagreement with the US
Greenland PM's 'Choosing Denmark' Remark Draws Trump's 'Great Problem' Warning
UK’s foreign minister to urge NATO to focus on Arctic in Finland and Norway visit
Denmark and Greenland reject US takeover of Arctic island, stress NATO protection
‘Big Problem...’: Trump Warns Greenland PM For Siding With Denmark, Rejecting US Control
Going to be big problem for him: Trump rebukes Greenland PM
‘We choose Denmark’: Greenland draws a clear line as Donald Trump renews push over the Arctic island
Trump scoffs at Greenland PM's remark on remaining with Denmark as US eyes Arctic island—'gonna be a big problem'
'It's A Big Problem': Trump's Big Warning After Greenland "Chooses" Denmark
Will the US really annex Greenland? What a new bill reveals – Firstpost
‘We choose Denmark’: Greenland’s PM dismisses prospect of becoming US territory
Key facts about Greenland’s vast, untapped mineral resources
Greenland Rejects Trump's Annexation Bid Amid Heightened Geopolitical Tensions
Greenland PM Prefers Denmark Ties Over US Ahead Of Vance Meeting
Denmark and Greenland to face Vance in high-stakes meeting
Denmark and Greenland to face Vance in high-stakes White House meeting
Denmark to Boost Military Presence on Greenland
US V-P Vance to meet Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington amid Trump’s threats
Just one in five Americans support Trump’s efforts to acquire Greenland, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
Factbox-Who are the Greenland and Denmark foreign ministers meeting Trump’s team?