A closed-door meeting was held at the White House on Wednesday between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland amid escalating tensions over control of Greenland. US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland. According to The Guardian, the meeting lasted less than an hour. Danish officials described the talks as positive, but Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen admitted that the two countries still differ on Greenland’s future.

Rasmussen said President Donald Trump clearly outlined his stance on Greenland, while Denmark maintained a different position and remained uncertain about reaching any agreement. Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt stated that Greenland seeks stronger cooperation as an ally, not subordination to the US. Denmark’s Prime Minister echoed that Greenland’s takeover is unnecessary and dismissed claims of immediate threats from Russia or China. Hours before the meeting, Trump reiterated that US control of Greenland is vital for missile defense and NATO strength.

Denmark and Greenland firmly opposed Trump’s plan, declaring Greenland is not for sale. Denmark announced increased Arctic military presence in 2026, with Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway joining joint NATO deployments. Sweden has already begun sending troops under Denmark’s “Operation Arctic Endurance.”