What's happened
As of mid-January 2026, US President Donald Trump has reiterated his intent to take control of Greenland, citing national security concerns amid Russian and Chinese Arctic activities. Denmark and Greenland firmly reject US annexation, emphasizing Greenland's sovereignty and NATO protections. European allies, including France, have signaled support for Denmark and Greenland, with France opening a consulate in Nuuk as a political statement. A working group has been formed to address US security concerns while respecting Danish sovereignty.
What's behind the headline?
Geopolitical Stakes and Sovereignty
The US push to annex Greenland is driven by strategic military interests and resource acquisition amid rising Arctic competition, particularly from Russia and China. Trump's insistence on "owning" Greenland reflects a unilateral approach that clashes with established international norms and the expressed wishes of Greenland's population.
Diplomatic Fallout and NATO Tensions
Denmark and Greenland's firm rejection of US claims, supported by European allies like France and Germany, underscores a diplomatic rift within NATO. The formation of a working group to address US security concerns while respecting Danish sovereignty is a pragmatic step but highlights underlying tensions.
Indigenous and Local Voices
Greenlandic leaders and Indigenous Kalaallit voices have been vocal against US annexation, emphasizing self-determination. Social media posts and polls show overwhelming opposition to becoming part of the US, complicating Washington's ambitions.
Future Outlook
The US will likely continue to seek expanded military presence and influence in Greenland, but outright annexation faces strong resistance. European allies' increased Arctic security cooperation and diplomatic signals, such as France's new consulate, will reinforce Greenland's ties to Denmark and NATO. The situation remains a flashpoint for US-Europe relations and Arctic geopolitics, with potential for further diplomatic friction but limited likelihood of military action.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that despite meetings between Danish, Greenlandic, and US officials, "we didn’t manage to change the American position," with Trump reiterating his desire to "own" Greenland for national security reasons. The Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen emphasized the need to respect Denmark's "red lines," while Greenland's PM Vivian Motzfeldt stressed cooperation without US ownership. France 24 highlights France's political signal by opening a consulate in Nuuk, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stating, "Greenland does not want to be owned, governed ... or integrated into the United States." The Independent and Reuters detail the firm rejection from Denmark and Greenland, with PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen saying, "We choose Denmark," and Denmark's PM Mette Frederiksen calling US annexation talk "absurd." Reuters also notes European powers' joint statement supporting Danish sovereignty and warning of NATO tensions. The New York Times and The New Arab provide context on Trump's repeated claims linking Greenland's strategic importance to national security and his appointment of a special envoy, which has angered Danish and Greenlandic leaders. These sources collectively illustrate a complex diplomatic standoff, with US ambitions clashing against local and European opposition, underscored by strategic Arctic concerns and Indigenous rights.
How we got here
Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory rich in minerals and strategically located in the Arctic, has long been of interest to the US for military and resource reasons. Since 2019, President Trump has pursued annexation, escalating tensions with Denmark and Greenland. The US military presence in Greenland exists under treaty, but Trump's recent rhetoric and appointment of a special envoy have alarmed European allies and Greenlanders, who overwhelmingly oppose US control.
Go deeper
- Why does the US want to take control of Greenland?
- How are Denmark and Greenland responding to US annexation threats?
- What role do European allies play in the Greenland dispute?
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