U.S. Wants Greenland—Denmark and Greenland Leaders Brace for White House Confrontation

President Donald Trump has insisted that the United States must assume control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, calling it strategically vital to American security. The demand comes as Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt prepare to meet Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Wednesday.

Trump repeatedly emphasized that Greenland—rich in minerals and positioned for global strategic importance—is indispensable to U.S. defense interests, stating all options are available to secure the territory from potential Russian or Chinese occupation. “It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building,” he declared in a social media post ahead of the meeting, referencing a proposed missile defense system.

Denmark and Greenland have consistently maintained that the island is not for sale, warning that threats of force are reckless and that security concerns should be addressed through alliance cooperation. Prominent European nations have publicly backed Denmark’s position. Analysts noted that the White House meeting aims to de-escalate tensions and find diplomatic solutions to satisfy U.S. demands while avoiding further escalation.

Noa Redington, a former political adviser to Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, warned that Greenlandic leaders risk being subjected to the same public humiliation endured by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy during a February 2025 meeting with Trump and Vance at the White House. “This is the most important meeting in modern Greenland’s history,” Redington stated, underscoring concerns over potential diplomatic consequences.

Greenlandic leaders have shifted their stance amid heightened tensions, moving away from earlier appeals for independence toward emphasizing unity with Denmark. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen declared, “It’s not the time to gamble with our right to self-determination when another country is talking about taking us over.” He reiterated that Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, stating, “We choose the Greenland we know today— as part of the Kingdom of Denmark.”

A recent U.S. poll reveals stark public opposition to Trump’s push for Greenland annexation, with just 17% of Americans approving his efforts and majorities across political lines disapproving of military action to seize the territory. European allies have also reinforced their support for Denmark and Greenland, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirming that Greenlanders can rely on EU backing. France’s Emmanuel Macron warned that undermining NATO members would be contrary to U.S. interests, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized the need to end coercion tactics.