planned talks between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Danish officials next week.
The issue resurfaced as President Donald Trump has repeatedly said the US needs Greenland for national security, citing the strategic importance of the Arctic amid growing Russian and Chinese activity. Washington has not ruled out using military force as one option, though Rubio insisted discussions will focus on diplomatic channels rather than immediate action.
“If the president sees a threat to US national security, he does have the constitutional authority to respond, including through military means,” Rubio told reporters — while emphasising that peaceful solutions remain the priority.
Trump’s comments have reignited a long-standing debate over Greenland’s future. The US has previously expressed interest in acquiring the Arctic island, which hosts critical military installations and sits astride key strategic routes. Trump has described control of Greenland as essential to countering rival powers and bolstering defence.
Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected any suggestion of ceding sovereignty. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leaders have stressed that Greenland is not for sale and that its status cannot be changed without the consent of its people. European allies, including the EU and NATO members, have echoed these warnings, underlining Greenland’s right to self-determination and respect for international law.
The planned meeting between Rubio and Danish officials comes amid broader tensions in transatlantic relations over the Arctic’s security and geopolitical importance. Both sides have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, but Copenhagen has made clear that any discussion must respect Denmark’s sovereignty and the island’s autonomy.