Greenland Dispute Deepens After Failed US–Denmark Meeting

US President Donald Trump remains firm on his plan to take control of Greenland, as a high-level meeting between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland ended without any resolution in Washington on Wednesday.

Following the meeting, Danish officials said Trump showed no willingness to retreat from what they described as his determination to “win” Greenland.

The meeting brought together Denmark’s foreign minister and Greenland’s foreign minister with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. Although the talks were arranged in hopes of easing tensions, no meaningful progress was achieved.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Denmark’s foreign minister said the delegation failed to change Washington’s position, making it clear that President Trump remains committed to gaining control of Greenland.

Later the same day, Trump reiterated his stance during an event at the White House, arguing that Greenland is critically important to US national security. He claimed that Denmark would be unable to prevent Russia or China from taking control of the island if they attempted to do so, while the United States, he said, has the capability to act decisively.

Greenland’s foreign minister expressed willingness to expand military and security cooperation with the United States but firmly rejected the idea of Greenland becoming anyone’s “property.” In a statement shared on social media, the Greenland government cited a public opinion survey showing that only six percent of local residents support becoming part of the United States.

While European allies are seeking to strengthen security cooperation with Washington to counter growing Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic region, Trump’s primary objective appears to be full control or ownership of Greenland.

The United States currently operates a military base in Greenland with approximately 150 personnel. Although Denmark and Greenland have signaled openness to an expanded US military presence, Trump has reportedly made it clear that anything short of full control over the territory is unacceptable to him.

Trump’s stance has caused a significant strain in the long-standing relationship between Denmark and the United States.