At a Glance
- Greenland’s resource minister says residents are “very, very worried” and children “afraid” amid renewed U.S. interest in acquiring the territory
- A high-stakes White House meeting Wednesday will bring together Vice President JD Vance, Secretary Marco Rubio, and the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland
- Denmark confirmed it quietly aided U.S. forces last week as they intercepted an oil tanker under sanctions, underscoring military cooperation already under strain
- Why it matters: The standoff pits a NATO ally against Washington’s push to “take Greenland,” raising fears of forced annexation and chilling Arctic security ties
Greenland’s government has delivered its sharpest rebuke yet to the Trump administration’s talk of acquiring the Arctic island, with a senior minister calling the prospect “unfathomable” and warning that families are losing sleep over the threat.
Naaja Nathanielsen, minister for business and mineral resources, told British lawmakers Tuesday that Greenlanders “have no intentions of becoming American,” even as President Donald Trump insists the United States will control the territory “one way or the other.”
Her remarks precede a pivotal White House session Wednesday, when Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host Denmark’s Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Vivian Motzfeldt for talks that could determine the future of the 68,000-person nation.
Rising Fear in Nuuk
Nathanielsen said the administration’s rhetoric has rattled households across Greenland.
“People are not sleeping, children are afraid, and it just fills everything these days,” she told members of Parliament in London. “We feel betrayed. We feel the rhetoric is offensive, but also bewildering.”
The minister emphasized decades of friendly cooperation with Washington, noting that Greenlanders “want to work with” U.S. security concerns. Still, she drew a firm line: “We do believe that it can be done without the use of force.”
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, appearing alongside Danish Premier Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen, repeated the long-standing position that “Greenland isn’t for sale” and voiced opposition to U.S. rule.
Frederiksen acknowledged the pressure, saying it “hasn’t been easy to stand up to unacceptable pressure from a close ally” and warning that “the most difficult part lies ahead.”
Military Cooperation Tested
Behind the scenes, Denmark has already assisted U.S. forces operating near its shores. A Danish official, unauthorized to speak publicly, confirmed that Copenhagen provided support last week as American personnel intercepted an oil tanker accused of violating U.S. sanctions on Venezuela.
The pursuit began in the Caribbean Sea, where Washington has tightened a naval blockade around Venezuelan ports. Danish help-details of which were not disclosed-came as the tanker moved through the east Atlantic, according to the same official.
Newsmax first reported Denmark’s involvement; the White House and Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment.
Trump Doubles Down
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump reiterated that acquiring Greenland is essential for national security and claimed that if the U.S. does not act, Russia or China will.
“We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security and the European Union needs us to have it,” he said.
The president added he would prefer to “make a deal” but insisted: “One way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland.”
NATO Chief Stays Neutral
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte sidestepped the dispute when questioned at the European Parliament.
“I never, ever comment when there are discussions within the alliance,” he said. “My role has to be to make sure we solve issues.”
Rutte emphasized the alliance’s broader mission: “When it comes to the protection of the High North, that is my role.”
Congressional Outreach
A bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation is scheduled to visit Copenhagen on Friday and Saturday in a bid to demonstrate unity between Washington and Copenhagen.
Nathanielsen welcomed dialogue but insisted Greenlanders must shape their own future.
“My deepest dream or hope is that the people of Greenland will get a say no matter what,” she said. “For others this might be a piece of land, but for us it’s home.”
Key Takeaways
- Greenland’s leadership rejects any sale or forced transfer of sovereignty, citing local fears and a desire for partnership-not possession
- Wednesday’s White House meeting could escalate or defuse tensions, depending on whether the U.S. softens its stance
- Denmark’s quiet military assistance last week highlights existing cooperation, even as diplomatic relations fray
