Trump Greenland Acquisition Stalls as Denmark Sets Sovereignty 'Red Lines'

The world's largest island remains "not for sale," but Washington refuses to back down. Denmark and Greenland's foreign ministers traveled to Washington, DC on January 14, 2026, in a high-stakes attempt to dissuade the Trump administration from pursuing a territorial takeover.

Trump Greenland Acquisition: National Security vs. Sovereignty

According to reports, the meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance ended in a stalemate. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen admitted that they didn't manage to change the American position. The Trump administration insists that "owning" the territory is a matter of national security.

President Trump reiterated his stance on Wednesday, questioning whether Denmark could repel an invasion by Russia or China. While the United States already maintains a military presence of about 150 personnel in Greenland, the president suggested that anything less than full control is unacceptable.

Public Resistance and the Arctic Working Group

Public sentiment in the territory remains overwhelmingly opposed to the deal. A recent poll showed only 6% of the local kalaallit population favored joining the US. Greenlandic minister Vivian Motzfeldt emphasized that while they seek cooperation, they don't want to be "owned."