Washington DC, January 15 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Wednesday asserted that Greenland is vital to American national security, warning that Russia or China could move into the Arctic region if the United States does not assert its interests.
Speaking at the White House during a signing ceremony, Trump said, “We need Greenland for national security, so we are going to see what happens. We have a very good relationship with Denmark.” He added that if the US does not step in, “Russia and China are going to go in,” claiming it is “not a thing that Denmark can do anything about, but we can do everything about it.”
Trump later reinforced his stance in a Truth Social post, calling US control of Greenland “unacceptable” to forgo and arguing that NATO would become “far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the United States.” He said NATO “should be leading the way” to ensure Greenland does not fall under Russian or Chinese influence.
However, Denmark and Greenland firmly rejected any prospect of the United States acquiring the territory.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt made their position clear after high-level talks in Washington with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speaking at the Danish embassy, Rasmussen said Trump has expressed a desire to “conquer” Greenland but stressed that such a move is “not in the interest of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
“Greenland will remain within the Kingdom of Denmark, now and in the future,” Rasmussen said, adding that cooperation with Washington must be “respectful” and must not cross Denmark’s “red lines.”
Despite rejecting any transfer of sovereignty, Rasmussen acknowledged shared concerns over Arctic security and announced the formation of a high-level working group between Denmark and the United States to explore ways to address American security concerns. The group is expected to meet in the coming weeks.
Rasmussen emphasized that Denmark and Greenland consider themselves among Washington’s closest allies, recalling Danish military cooperation with US forces in Afghanistan and noting that Greenland, through Denmark, is a NATO member protected by Article 5 of the alliance’s collective defense clause.
He also dismissed claims of an imminent threat from China or Russia, stating there is currently “no Chinese presence in Greenland,” and underlined that the US already enjoys extensive military access to Greenland under agreements dating back to the 1950s. Denmark, he added, has increased defense spending on ships, drones, and fighter jets and is prepared to do more.
Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt echoed Rasmussen’s remarks, stressing that while Greenland seeks stronger cooperation with the US, this does not mean surrendering sovereignty.
“That doesn’t mean we want to be owned by the United States,” Motzfeldt said. Calling for stable and normalized relations, she added, “We are allies, we are friends. It’s in both countries’ interest to find a balance and work together.”
While discussions on Arctic security will continue, Denmark and Greenland made clear that US acquisition of Greenland is “absolutely not necessary,” underscoring that any future cooperation must respect Greenland’s autonomy and Denmark’s sovereignty.
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