Denmark and US Clash Over Greenland: Tensions Rise Following White House Talks

Thu Jan 15 2026 13:15:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Denmark's foreign minister reveals deep disagreements with the US regarding Greenland after a meeting with US officials, asserting that Trump's acquisition ambitions for the territory are 'totally unacceptable.'

In a recent White House meeting, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed a 'fundamental disagreement' with the US over President Trump's stated desire to acquire Greenland. Despite discussions being termed 'frank but constructive,' Rasmussen emphasized that any attempts to 'conquer' the island are unacceptable. The meeting ended without significant breakthroughs, though a high-level working group was agreed upon to explore future cooperation, particularly in military matters. Denmark and Greenland remain opposed to any form of takeover, as international allies reaffirm their support for the territory amidst growing geopolitical tensions.

Denmark's foreign minister has stated that there is a 'fundamental disagreement' with the US regarding Greenland after a discussion at the White House.

Lars Lokke Rasmussen indicated that his meeting with Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio was 'frank but constructive.' However, he also noted US President Trump's insistence on 'conquering' Greenland as 'totally unacceptable.'

'We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of [Denmark],' Rasmussen remarked.

Following the talks, Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring the resource-rich island, a sentiment that has alarmed European allies and intensified tensions within NATO.

The hour-long discussions among the US, Denmark, and Greenland did not yield any major breakthroughs. Nevertheless, all parties agreed to establish a high-level working group aimed at discussing the future of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

Rasmussen underscored that there are 'red lines' the US cannot cross, suggesting that while discussions are ongoing, there is a need for compromise. He also mentioned a willingness from Denmark and Greenland regarding the potential establishment of additional US military bases on the island.

'It's productive to start discussions at a high level,' he said, admitting there is some truth to Trump’s assessment regarding security in the face of Russian and Chinese interests in the Arctic. However, he condemned Trump’s declarations about the presence of foreign warships near Greenland as 'not true.'

The talks came amid increased military postures by European allies supporting Denmark, with Sweden, Germany, and the UK expressing readiness to contribute to the security of Greenland.

The recent diplomatic exchanges have unfolded under the looming question of whether Trump is seriously considering military action to assert control over Greenland, or if alternative options such as purchase are on the table—despite there being no indications from the Danish or Greenlandic governments that the territory is for sale.

Public opinion within Greenland shows robust opposition against US control: a recent poll revealed that only 6% favored US ownership, while 85% opposed it. Similarly, a substantial majority of Americans are against the idea of seizing Greenland, according to recent polling data.

With geopolitical tensions stretching towards the Arctic, the situation over Greenland remains precarious, and the outcome of future discussions will be closely monitored by both international allies and local stakeholders.