Denmark has declared that a "fundamental disagreement" persists with former US President Donald Trump over the status of Greenland, even as both nations agreed to establish a high-level diplomatic working group. The announcement followed direct talks between Danish officials and senior US figures, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
A Frank Discussion But Divergent Views
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen characterised the meeting, held on Wednesday 14 January 2026, as a "frank but also constructive discussion." However, he was clear that core differences remain unresolved. "The discussions focused on how to ensure the long-term security in Greenland, and here our perspectives continue to differ," Mr Rasmussen stated. He added, "I must say the president has made his view clear and we have a different position."
The diplomatic move comes in direct response to a post on Truth Social by Mr Trump, in which he asserted it would be "unacceptable" if Greenland is not "in the hands of the United States." He argued the vast Arctic territory was vital for a proposed US missile defence system, referred to as the "Golden Dome," and urged NATO to pressure Denmark to exclude Chinese and Russian influence from the island.
Establishing a Path Forward
Despite the entrenched positions, a channel for dialogue has been opened. Minister Rasmussen revealed that a bilateral working group will be formed "to explore if we can find a common way forward," with its first meeting expected within weeks. He emphasised the group must focus on addressing American security concerns while "respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark."
Greenland's own Foreign Minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, who attended the news conference with Rasmussen, noted the talks were conducted respectfully. She affirmed it is in Greenland's interests to "find the right path" through the diplomatic impasse.
European Solidarity and Arctic Military Buildup
The situation has galvanised European leaders in support of Denmark. The European Parliament "unequivocally" condemned Mr Trump's statements, calling for concrete EU support. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged, "We respect the wishes of the Greenlanders and their interests and they can count on us."
French President Emmanuel Macron warned that affecting the sovereignty of a European ally would have unprecedented knock-on effects, stating, "We do not underestimate statements on Greenland." In a tangible show of support, France will open a consulate in Greenland next month.
Concurrently, a significant bolstering of military presence in the Arctic is underway. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed Denmark would establish a more permanent military footing in Greenland, though he described a potential US attack as a "completely hypothetical" scenario between NATO allies. Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced Swedish officers had already arrived in Greenland to join allied preparations for the Danish-led Operation Arctic Endurance. Reports also suggest Norway and Germany will increase their Arctic military deployments.
