Danish Official Stands Firm Against Trump's Calls for Greenland Takeover
A high-level meeting between Danish officials and US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and President Donald Trump ended without a breakthrough as the two sides remain locked in a "fundamental disagreement" over Denmark's strategic island of Greenland.
President Trump has been pushing to take control of the semiautonomous territory, citing national security concerns and claiming NATO allies are not doing enough to support US interests in the region. However, Danish officials say this approach is unacceptable, with Foreign Minister Lars LΓΈkke Rasmussen stating that the group working on the issue should focus on addressing American security concerns while respecting Denmark's "red lines."
Trump has repeatedly claimed that China and Russia are eyeing Greenland, but Danish experts dispute these claims, saying they have rarely seen Chinese or Russian ships in the area. In a tweet after his meeting with Danish officials, Trump stated that NATO should lead US efforts to acquire Greenland for national security purposes, warning that if this doesn't happen, "AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!"
Despite the disagreement, Denmark has announced plans to boost its military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, citing a need for increased security in the region. The country's Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said an enhanced military presence is necessary as "no one can predict what will happen tomorrow."
As tensions over Greenland continue to escalate, US lawmakers are set to visit Copenhagen this week to engage with Danish officials. However, President Trump remains committed to his goal of acquiring the island, saying it's vital for America's security.
Greenlanders, meanwhile, have expressed their loyalty to Denmark, stating they value the country's support in areas such as healthcare and education. The island's prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, made it clear that if Greenland had to choose between its relationship with Denmark and the US, it would choose NATO and the EU.
The dispute over Greenland highlights the challenges facing US-Danish relations under Trump's presidency, which has taken a hardline stance on issues such as trade and security.
A high-level meeting between Danish officials and US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and President Donald Trump ended without a breakthrough as the two sides remain locked in a "fundamental disagreement" over Denmark's strategic island of Greenland.
President Trump has been pushing to take control of the semiautonomous territory, citing national security concerns and claiming NATO allies are not doing enough to support US interests in the region. However, Danish officials say this approach is unacceptable, with Foreign Minister Lars LΓΈkke Rasmussen stating that the group working on the issue should focus on addressing American security concerns while respecting Denmark's "red lines."
Trump has repeatedly claimed that China and Russia are eyeing Greenland, but Danish experts dispute these claims, saying they have rarely seen Chinese or Russian ships in the area. In a tweet after his meeting with Danish officials, Trump stated that NATO should lead US efforts to acquire Greenland for national security purposes, warning that if this doesn't happen, "AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!"
Despite the disagreement, Denmark has announced plans to boost its military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, citing a need for increased security in the region. The country's Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said an enhanced military presence is necessary as "no one can predict what will happen tomorrow."
As tensions over Greenland continue to escalate, US lawmakers are set to visit Copenhagen this week to engage with Danish officials. However, President Trump remains committed to his goal of acquiring the island, saying it's vital for America's security.
Greenlanders, meanwhile, have expressed their loyalty to Denmark, stating they value the country's support in areas such as healthcare and education. The island's prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, made it clear that if Greenland had to choose between its relationship with Denmark and the US, it would choose NATO and the EU.
The dispute over Greenland highlights the challenges facing US-Danish relations under Trump's presidency, which has taken a hardline stance on issues such as trade and security.