US, Denmark, Greenland Open Talks After Trump’s Takeover Remarks To Discuss How Can Concerns Be Addressed
The diplomatic talks come after months of tensions between Denmark and the US, both founding NATO members. Image courtesy: RNA
Diplomatic talks between the United States, Denmark and Greenland kicked off on Wednesday (January 28, 2026), in a cautious attempt to defuse a growing transatlantic rift triggered by US President Donald Trump’s repeated remarks about taking control of Greenland.
The discussions come after months of mounting unease in Europe, with Trump’s statements raising alarm over sovereignty, security and alliance unity in the Arctic. According to Denmark’s foreign ministry, senior officials from the three sides met to address US security concerns in the Arctic.
With this, they firmly respected what Copenhagen described as the “Kingdom’s red lines”, a clear reference to Greenland’s status as a self-governing territory within the Danish realm.
What did the US say about the process?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington has now put in place a formal process on Greenland, confirming that technical-level meetings with Danish and Greenlandic officials are underway. “We’re in a good place right now,” Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, adding that the talks would proceed in a “very professional, straightforward way.”
His remarks came as Democratic lawmakers criticised the Trump administration for alienating key NATO allies over its hardline stance.
Why is Trump so focused on Greenland?
US President Trump has repeatedly argued that US control over Greenland is vital for national security, pointing to rising Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic, access to critical minerals, and the strategic importance of missile deployments and military basing in the region.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, Trump discussed Greenland with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, touching on missile stationing, mining rights and a stronger NATO footprint aimed at countering Beijing’s influence.
What has been Europe’s response?
Denmark and Greenland’s leaders are currently in Berlin and Paris, working to shore up European political backing as negotiations with Washington unfold.
While Danish officials have signalled openness to reviewing and expanding cooperation with the US, they have drawn a firm line at any discussion questioning Greenland’s sovereignty.
Is a deal on Greenland taking shape?
The talks follow Trump’s announcement last week of a “framework of a future deal”, in which he pledged not to impose tariffs on European countries opposing his push to take possession of Greenland, a move that briefly rattled European capitals. US officials are also reportedly exploring revisions to the 1951 US–Denmark defence agreement, potentially removing restrictions on America’s military presence in Greenland.
Currently, the agreement requires the US to consult Denmark and Greenland before making significant changes to military operations or facilities on the island.
Trump’s comments had threatened to fracture transatlantic unity, especially at a time when NATO is attempting to present a united front against Russia and China. By moving the dispute into formal talks, all three sides appear keen to cool tensions, protect alliance cohesion.
