Denmark Stands Firm Against Trump's Greenland Ambitions
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen declared a "fundamental disagreement" persists regarding former President Donald Trump's Arctic territorial plans. He emphasized that Denmark and Greenland consider any forced transfer of sovereignty completely unacceptable.
No Shift in US Position After Washington Meeting
Rasmussen made it clear that senior diplomats failed to alter Washington's stance on Greenland during their meeting. "We didn't manage to change the US position," he told reporters afterward. The minister described the discussions as frank but constructive.
He announced an agreement to create a high-level working group on Greenland matters. This development comes amid Trump's repeated threats about acquiring the territory.
Trump's Persistent Greenland Demands
Just hours before the diplomatic session, Trump posted on his social media platform about Greenland's importance. He insisted the United States "needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security."
Trump claimed NATO should facilitate the acquisition and warned that otherwise Russia or China might gain control. "NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES," he wrote. "Anything less than that is unacceptable."
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the Washington meeting with Danish officials.
Danish Delegation's Clear Message
Rasmussen traveled to Washington alongside Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt. Their mission involved persuading the US administration that controlling the Arctic island was unnecessary.
"It's clear that the president has this wish of conquering Greenland," Rasmussen stated. "We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the Kingdom of Denmark."
The minister acknowledged unresolved issues, telling reporters: "I'm not saying anything is solved. It's not solved."
Strategic Importance and Military Response
Greenland operates as a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Danish media characterized the Washington meeting as one of the kingdom's most pivotal moments since World War II.
Meanwhile, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen revealed plans on Wednesday to strengthen Denmark's military presence in the far North. This exercise will involve other NATO allies and establish a permanent arrangement.
The diplomatic standoff continues as Denmark maintains its position against any forced sovereignty transfer while establishing formal channels for further discussion through the newly created working group.
