A high-stakes meeting is set to unfold at the White House as Danish and Greenlandic officials prepare to address concerns about Greenland’s future with U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The talks come amidst escalating tensions, fueled by past statements suggesting a potential U.S. interest in acquiring the strategically vital Arctic territory.
For years, the possibility of the United States purchasing or annexing Greenland has been a recurring topic, recently reignited by assertive comments indicating a determination to gain control “one way or the other.” This rhetoric has prompted Denmark and Greenland to seek direct dialogue, requesting a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which Vance then proposed hosting at the White House.
Vance’s previous, unannounced visit to Greenland in March sparked considerable controversy. Limited to the US Pituffik military base, the brief stay was marked by sharp criticism of Denmark, accusing the nation of insufficient commitment to Greenland and Arctic security, labeling it a “bad ally.”
These remarks deeply offended Copenhagen, a staunch trans-Atlantic ally that has stood alongside the United States in conflicts like those in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recently underscored Denmark’s long-standing loyalty, suggesting the U.S. should express gratitude for its consistent support.
The upcoming White House meeting aims to resolve what officials are calling “misunderstandings” surrounding Greenland’s defense, the growing presence of China and Russia in the Arctic, and the complex relationship between Greenland and Denmark, which together with the Faroe Islands form the Kingdom of Denmark.
Experts suggest that outside observers might have misinterpreted ongoing discussions between Denmark and Greenland as signaling an imminent move towards secession. However, these conversations have been long-standing and do not indicate Greenland is preparing to leave the Kingdom.
Washington has voiced concerns that Copenhagen isn’t adequately safeguarding Greenland against perceived threats from China and Russia. Denmark strongly refutes this claim, highlighting its substantial investment – nearly 90 billion kroner (US$14 billion) – in bolstering its military presence in the Arctic region.
The Danish Foreign Minister emphasized the need for a direct, face-to-face discussion to address these issues, stating the goal is to move the conversation “into a meeting room, where you can look each other in the eye and talk through these issues.”
Alongside the White House meeting, Greenlandic and Danish officials will also engage with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss Arctic security. Both Denmark and Greenland are increasingly looking to NATO for the island’s defense, signaling a desire for a more robust and permanent security presence.
Plans are underway to expand the Danish defense forces’ presence in Greenland, with the potential involvement of other nations. NATO is actively considering “the next steps” to strengthen Arctic security, with some members proposing a new mission in the region, though concrete plans are still under development.
