Greenland and Denmark Say Trump Set on ‘Conquering’ Territory After Meeting

When you think of international disputes, Greenland might not be the first place that comes to mind. But in January 2026, this icy island became the center of an unusual geopolitical storm. Denmark and Greenland are publicly accusing U.S. President Donald Trump of being intent on “conquering” Greenland—a bold claim that has sent shockwaves across Europe, the U.S., and the Arctic.
Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for the future of global diplomacy.
The Meeting That Changed Everything
On January 14, 2026, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt visited the White House for talks with U.S. officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The goal? To ease tensions over Trump’s repeated remarks about Greenland. But the meeting didn’t go as planned.
Instead of finding common ground, Rasmussen walked away warning that Trump was still “set on conquering” Greenland. That single statement has dominated international headlines and sparked concerns among NATO allies about the stability of one of the world’s most strategically important regions.
Trump’s Perspective: Strategy or Obsession?
Trump has made his interest in Greenland very clear. His main arguments include:
Strategic location: Greenland sits at the gateway to the Arctic, making it a key military and shipping hub.
Resources: The island has untapped minerals and rare earth metals essential for electronics and green tech.
Security concerns: Trump claims that controlling Greenland would give the U.S. an advantage against competitors like China and Russia.
He even posted publicly that anything “less than the United States acquiring Greenland is unacceptable.” Naturally, this hasn’t gone over well with Denmark, Greenland, or much of the world.
Denmark and Greenland: Standing Their Ground
From Copenhagen to Nuuk, the message is clear: Greenland is not for sale.
Greenland, though an autonomous territory of Denmark, has its own government and people who are proud of their sovereignty. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen made it clear: if Greenlanders had a choice today, they would choose Denmark over becoming part of the United States.
Denmark has also warned that any attempt to seize Greenland would be unprecedented and could jeopardize NATO itself. European allies, including France and Germany, have pledged support to Denmark and Greenland, reinforcing their defense and sovereignty.
Why Greenland Matters
You might wonder why an icy island matters so much. Here’s the breakdown:
Strategic location: Greenland controls key Arctic sea routes and offers proximity to North America and Europe.
Natural resources: Rare earth metals and minerals found in Greenland are increasingly valuable for technology and renewable energy.
Climate change: Melting ice is opening new shipping lanes, making Greenland more accessible and geopolitically important.
Even with all this strategic value, Denmark and Greenland insist that cooperation with the U.S. should never come at the expense of their sovereignty.
International Reactions
The reaction has been almost universally critical.
In the U.S., members of Congress from both parties condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them “appalling.”
European leaders rallied around Denmark, offering military and diplomatic support.
NATO is watching closely, aware that such rhetoric can strain alliances and create uncertainty about collective defense.
Experts note that Trump’s statements have shaken the norms of how allies interact, raising questions about diplomacy, trust, and the future of international agreements.
What Happens Next
While no military conflict is expected, the situation highlights the tension between sovereignty and strategic interests. Currently:
Denmark and Greenland are strengthening Arctic defense within NATO, rejecting any unilateral U.S. control.
The U.S. and Denmark have agreed to a working group to explore cooperation on defense and security, even if disagreements persist.
Greenland emphasizes democratic autonomy, standing firm against annexation.
The Takeaway
Greenland may be frozen, but the geopolitics surrounding it are heating up. The recent standoff shows that even allies can clash when strategic interests, resources, and political ambitions collide.
For Denmark and Greenland, sovereignty is non-negotiable. For the U.S., strategic concerns are paramount. And for the world, the Greenland crisis is a reminder that in today’s interconnected era, no territory—even one covered in ice—exists in isolation.
The Arctic isn’t just about icebergs and polar bears anymore; it’s a stage for diplomacy, strategy, and global power plays. And Greenland is right at the center of it.