A high-stakes meeting between the United States, Denmark and Greenland over the Arctic island's future ended without a major breakthrough on Wednesday, prompting NATO allies to announce military deployments to the region amid escalating tensions. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described the hour-long conversation with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as frank but constructive, while adding that President Trump's repeated threats to take control of Greenland were totally unacceptable.
The three parties agreed to establish a high-level working group to determine a way forward for the self-governing Danish territory, but fundamental disagreements remain. President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that America needs Greenland for national security, warning that Denmark could do nothing if Russia or China wanted to occupy the island, but the United States could do everything to prevent such an outcome.
In response to the diplomatic impasse, multiple European nations announced military exercises in Greenland. Denmark revealed plans to beef up its military presence in and around the territory, including guarding national infrastructure, deploying fighter aircraft and conducting naval operations. Germany's Defense Ministry confirmed it would deploy a reconnaissance team of 13 personnel to Nuuk, Greenland's capital, at Denmark's invitation.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will join other European nations for joint exercises called Operation Arctic Endurance this week. The coordinated NATO response signals European determination to support Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland despite American pressure to acquire the strategically important territory rich in rare earth minerals and positioned along crucial Arctic shipping routes.
Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede firmly rejected any notion of American acquisition, stating that Greenland does not want to be owned or governed by the USA and will not become part of the United States. He declared that if forced to choose between America and Denmark, Greenland chooses Denmark and the current arrangement within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Public opinion strongly opposes Trump's ambitions for the Arctic territory. A YouGov poll in January 2026 showed only 8 percent support for using military force to take Greenland, with 73 percent opposed. A separate Reuters/Ipsos poll found just 17 percent of Americans approve of Trump's efforts to acquire the island, with nearly half disapproving of the initiative.
The diplomatic standoff highlights growing tensions between Washington and traditional European allies over territorial integrity and the rules-based international order. Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has gained strategic importance due to climate change opening new Arctic shipping routes and the island's vast deposits of critical minerals needed for technology and defense industries.