US President Donald Trump has reiterated that Greenland is vital for national security and that Denmark cannot be relied upon to protect the Arctic island, following high-stakes talks in Washington that failed to resolve a 'fundamental disagreement' over its future. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said: 'Greenland is very important for the national security, including of Denmark. And the problem is there's not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland, but there's everything we can do.'
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said after the talks that Trump remains intent on 'conquering' Greenland, adding: 'We didn't manage to change the American position. It's clear that the president has this wish of conquering Greenland. And we made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the kingdom.' Rasmussen urged Washington to engage in 'respectful' cooperation over the territory.
The meeting, hosted by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, lasted nearly an hour. The two sides agreed to create a working group to address US security concerns while respecting Denmark's red lines. Rasmussen said the group 'should focus on how to address the American security concerns, while at the same time respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark.'
In a show of European support, France, Germany and Norway have agreed to contribute troops to a multinational force led by Denmark, increasing military presence in and around Greenland. The Danish defence ministry said the force would include 'aircraft, vessels and soldiers, including from Nato allies.'
Trump first raised the idea of a US takeover of Greenland in 2019 and has intensified his rhetoric since returning to office, saying the US would take it 'one way or the other.' Expert reports suggest it could cost the US as much as $700bn (£520bn) to take over the territory, but European officials have downplayed the likelihood of a direct American attack.
