Denmark and the United States are facing a sharp disagreement over Greenland following high-level talks in Washington. Danish and Greenlandic officials met U.S. leaders JD Vance and Marco Rubio amid renewed American pressure over the Arctic territory, driven by Greenland’s strategic location, mineral wealth, and rising Russian and Chinese activity.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the discussions as “frank and constructive,” but confirmed that President Trump continues to push for U.S. control of Greenland. Rasmussen firmly rejected the proposal, saying seizing Greenland is “not in the interest of the Kingdom of Denmark.” He emphasized that Greenland is not for sale and that its sovereignty is non-negotiable.

Despite the disagreement, both sides agreed to establish a working group. Its purpose is to address U.S. security concerns in the Arctic while respecting Danish sovereignty and Greenlandic self-governance.

President Trump has continued to apply public pressure, arguing that Denmark lacks the capacity to defend Greenland against foreign threats. He claims that U.S. control is necessary for American national security, remarks that have unsettled European allies.

In response, Denmark has increased its military presence in Greenland with support from NATO partners. Sweden has dispatched military officers, Norway is deploying personnel, Germany plans a short reconnaissance mission, and the United Kingdom is reportedly considering an “Arctic Sentry” operation. Together, Denmark and its allies are sending a clear message that Greenland’s future will be decided by Denmark and Greenland alone, and that Arctic security concerns do not justify territorial claims by Washington.