Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen made it clear on Thursday that Denmark will not allow President Donald Trump’s longstanding desire to acquire or control Greenland to happen, following a high-level meeting with U.S. officials at the White House.
Speaking to reporters, Rasmussen said, “Everything we experienced yesterday was that the American president has this wish [to take Greenland]. Our task is to make sure that it doesn’t come true. That’s why it made sense that, knowing that we can’t fulfill that wish, we then have a diplomatic dialogue about whether there are other ways we can land this. That’s what we agreed on yesterday, and it’s with that approach we’re starting this work.”
He added a harsh warning for U.S. officials, emphasizing that Denmark will not compromise on its sovereignty. “If the Americans don’t respect the red lines that have been set for this work, then I just have to say, it will obviously be a very short meeting,” Rasmussen said, underscoring the firm stance of both Denmark and Greenland on the issue.
The comments came after a meeting with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, described by Rasmussen as “frank but constructive.” The discussions focused on President Trump’s repeated push for U.S. control over Greenland, which he has framed as essential for national security amid perceived threats from Russia and China in the Arctic.
Rasmussen noted that despite Denmark’s efforts to negotiate, the U.S. position remains unchanged. “It’s clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland. We made very clearly that this was in no interest for our Kingdom,” he said, highlighting Denmark’s unified opposition.
The Foreign Minister also stressed the strong support within Greenland for remaining part of the Kingdom of Denmark. “There’s a government in Greenland with support from three-quarters of the population. The premier made it very clear yesterday that Greenland for the time being and foreseeable future will remain within the Kingdom,” he said.
To manage ongoing discussions, both sides agreed to establish a high-level working group to explore ways to address U.S. security concerns without crossing Denmark’s “red lines.” Rasmussen emphasized that cooperation must be respectful and honor Greenland’s territorial integrity and right to self-determination, which he called “totally unacceptable” to violate.
The meeting and Rasmussen’s remarks come amid escalating tension over Trump’s Greenland push, which dates back to his first presidential term and intensified in early 2026. Trump has repeatedly insisted that the U.S. “needs Greenland” to counter Arctic rivals, mocking Denmark’s modest recent military measures on the island and warning that Russia and China could move in if Washington does not act.
Despite these statements, Rasmussen and Greenland’s leaders remain united in opposing any transfer of sovereignty, while agreeing to continue diplomatic engagement to address security concerns without undermining Denmark’s authority over the island.
