Amid Trump’s threats to gain control, Denmark and US agree to discuss Greenland ‘later’

Trump has expressed interest in making Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, part of the United States. He has not ruled out using military or economic measures to persuade Denmark to hand it over.

By: Express Web Desk

Updated: January 25, 2025 01:25 AM IST

2 min read

Greenland, an autonomous territory of the kingdom of Denmark that was granted home rule in 1979, has informed Trump it is not for sale. (Ida Marie Odgaard/ Ritzau Scanpix via AP, File)

Days after Donald Trump has continuous desire for the US to acquire Greenland, Denmark on Friday agreed to discuss the Arctic region with Washington, Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said.

In a statement following his first phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio from President Trump’s administration, the Danish Foreign Ministry said, “Arctic security was not on the agenda, but it was agreed that it will be discussed between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland at a later date.”

Rasmussen and Rubio had a 20-minute conversation in a “good and constructive tone,” during which they discussed Ukraine, European security, and the situation in the Middle East, according to the statement from the Danish ministry.

Trump has expressed interest in making Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, part of the United States. He has not ruled out using military or economic measures to persuade Denmark to hand it over.

Greenland’s strategic location along the shortest route between Europe and North America, essential for the US ballistic missile warning system, has made it a priority for Trump.

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, who has intensified efforts for independence, has repeatedly stated that the island is not for sale and that its future is for its people to decide.

Also read | Trump offers to acquire Greenland: The long history of the US trying to take over the island

While Trump had previously raised the idea of acquiring Greenland in 2019, his refusal to rule out the use of military or economic power has caught many Danes off guard.

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Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, said on 15 January that she had spoken with Trump by phone and told him that it is up to Greenland itself to decide on any move towards independence.

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