Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, and Greenland’s Vivian Motzfeldt are scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss next steps and diffuse the tension.
IN FLIGHT – JANUARY 11: U.S. President Donald Trump takes questions from the members of the press aboard Air Force One on January 11, 2026 en route back to the White House from Palm Beach, Florida. The President spent the weekend at his private club Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
Trump’s Take on Greenland
On Sunday, speaking from Air Force One, Trump denied any formal offer to purchase Greenland but doubled down on his logic: “Greenland should make the deal because they don’t want Russia or China taking over. Their defense? Two dog sleds,” he quipped.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Arctic, he continued: “Russian destroyers and submarines, Chinese destroyers and submarines—they’re everywhere. We’re not going to let that happen. If it affects NATO, it affects NATO. But they need us more than we need them.” He insisted the U.S. is considering acquiring—not leasing—the island.
“If we don’t do it, Russia or China will,” Trump added. “And that’s not going to happen while I’m president.”
Military and Political Pushback
Despite Trump’s insistence, reports indicate that top military advisors are pushing back. The Joint Chiefs of Staff are reportedly questioning the legality of any unilateral military action, and Congress is unlikely to support it. Some advisors are reportedly steering Trump toward other options, such as intercepting Russian “ghost ships” or taking action in Iran, hoping to deflect him from Greenland.
One source told the Daily Mail, “The generals think Trump’s Greenland plan is crazy and illegal. They are trying to distract him with other major military operations. It’s like dealing with a five-year-old.”
Experts warn that any attempt to occupy Greenland could destabilize NATO relations, potentially forcing European allies to reconsider their commitments.
A Flashpoint in the Arctic
What began as speculation over Greenland’s strategic value has now escalated into a full-blown international concern. With tensions rising, the Arctic is emerging as a potential flashpoint in global geopolitics—and Trump’s Greenland ambitions are at the center.
Whether through diplomacy or military posturing, all eyes are now on the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland as the situation develops.