Denmark has reiterated that a “fundamental disagreement” persists with US PresidentDonald Trumpover Greenland, following high-level talks in Washington involving senior officials from Denmark, Greenland and the United States. While the discussions failed to resolve the dispute, both sides agreed to establish a joint working group to address US security concerns while respecting Denmark’s sovereignty over the Arctic territory.
Danish Foreign MinisterLars Lokke Rasmussensaid the working group would focus on cooperation without crossing Denmark’s “red lines,” stressing that Trump’s repeated calls for a US takeover ofGreenlandare unacceptable. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory within theDenmarkkingdom and a member ofNATOthrough Denmark.
Ahead of the talks, Trump renewed his stance that theUnited States“needs Greenland for national security,” arguing that NATO should support US control of the island to counter alleged Russian and Chinese ambitions in the Arctic. He has made clear that his administration is not interested in a short-term lease and considers anything less than US control unacceptable.
In response, Denmark announced it is significantly boosting its military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Danish Defence MinisterTroels Lund Poulsensaid the move reflects an unpredictable security environment and will include more aircraft, ships and troops operating in and around Greenland, in close coordination with NATO allies. Sweden and Norway have also confirmed that their personnel are deploying to Greenland as part of joint exercises.
Greenland’s Prime MinisterJens-Frederik Nielsenhas firmly rejected Trump’s ambitions, saying Greenland would choose Denmark, NATO and the European Union over the United States. Trump dismissed the comments, saying they would pose “a big problem” for Greenland’s leadership.
Greenland’s strategic importance has grown as climate change opens new Arctic shipping routes and access to critical mineral resources. Trump has also linked the island to the US “Golden Dome” missile defence concept. However, many Greenlanders and experts have questioned claims of an imminent Russian or Chinese threat, arguing that security concerns are being overstated.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Denmark has said the US is welcome to expand its existing military footprint under a 1951 defence agreement, which already grants Washington broad rights to operate bases in Greenland with Danish and Greenlandic consent. Talks between Danish, Greenlandic and US lawmakers are expected to continue in the coming days as allies attempt to manage the growing rift without further escalation.
