Trump envoy says deal to take over Greenland ‘should and will be made’

US special envoy Jeff Landry stated that a deal for the US to take over Greenland "should and will be made" during a visit to Copenhagen by a bipartisan congressional delegation. The delegation, led by Republican senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski and Democrat senator Chris Coons, met with Danish and Greenlandic leaders to show support against President Trump's threats of military intervention. Landry plans to visit Greenland in March and stated that the US president is serious about acquiring the territory. Denmark has agreed to provide support for Greenland's emergency preparedness, while Greenland's government appreciates the assistance. The congressional delegation arrived in Copenhagen as part of a show of solidarity against Trump's threats. The meeting was seen as an effort to reassure Greenlanders who are concerned about the US presence on their island.

Following White House talks on Wednesday, Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated there is a "fundamental disagreement" with the U.S. regarding Greenland. The meeting, also attended by Greenland's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, aimed to address U.S. interest in acquiring the resource-rich island, a position Denmark finds unacceptable. Despite the disagreement, all parties agreed to establish a high-level working group to discuss the future of the autonomous Danish territory and explore potential compromises. Rasmussen acknowledged some validity in U.S. concerns about countering Russian and Chinese interests in the Arctic, and Denmark and Greenland are open to increased U.S. military presence, though he disputed claims of Russian and Chinese warships near Greenland. The U.S. views Greenland's location as vital for national security, already maintaining a military base there since World War II.

Tensions are high as officials from the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland prepare to meet at the White House on Wednesday, January 15, 2026. The meeting, involving Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, and the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland, is the first since President Trump renewed his interest in acquiring Greenland. Trump's recent statements, emboldened by a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, have raised concerns about a potential takeover of the semiautonomous Danish territory. Greenland's Prime Minister Nielsen has firmly stated that Greenland prefers to remain with Denmark, a position echoed by Denmark's Prime Minister Frederiksen. The meeting aims to address the growing tensions and discuss the future of Greenland amidst Trump's continued pursuit of acquiring the territory.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump stated that US control of Greenland is "vital" for his planned Golden Dome air and missile defense system. His statement was made on Truth Social as Danish and Greenlandic diplomats were scheduled to visit the White House for talks on Greenland with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions are centered around Greenland, though the specific details of the talks remain undisclosed. Trump's renewed interest in Greenland follows previous reports of his desire for the US to acquire the territory.

In January 2026, President Trump's threats to seize Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, are raising concerns about the future of NATO. Denmark, a founding member of NATO, and Greenland are sending diplomats to the White House to discuss the matter with U.S. officials. Trump claims American ownership is necessary to protect Greenland's surrounding waters from Russia and China. While NATO allies are devising plans to secure the area and Secretary General Rutte emphasizes the importance of working together, analysts suggest that a potential invasion by one NATO member on another could severely damage the alliance. Trump has previously used threats to influence NATO, including pushing for increased defense spending and pausing aid to Ukraine.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump reiterated his interest in the United States acquiring Greenland. According to Al Jazeera, Trump believes that if the US does not control Greenland, China or Russia will. The article indicates that Trump's motivation extends beyond national security concerns. The report by Rory Challands explains the reasons behind Trump's ambition to bring Greenland under US control. The article does not specify the other reasons for Trump's interest.

In January 2026, France announced plans to open a consulate in Greenland on February 6, signaling political support for the island's ties to Denmark and the EU. This move comes amid ongoing threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to take control of Greenland, citing security concerns related to Russia and China, and the island's mineral wealth. The French Foreign Minister stated Greenland has chosen Denmark and the EU, rejecting integration into the United States. Trump's statements have caused a crisis within NATO, with European allies warning of repercussions for US-Europe relations if the US were to seize Greenland. The Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers are scheduled to meet with the US Vice President to discuss the matter.

During a UK interview, Peter Mandelson discussed his relationships with Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson stated he appreciated Trump's "graciousness" and directness, despite disagreeing with some of his language. He acknowledged that maintaining a friendship with Epstein was a "terrible mistake" but declined to apologize, claiming he was not culpable and was kept separate from the sexual aspects of Epstein's life due to his sexuality. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander suggested an apology from Mandelson regarding his friendship with Epstein would have been beneficial. The interview also touched on potential UK military involvement in Greenland amid concerns about Trump's interest in the territory, a claim Downing Street has not commented on.

Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt stated that Greenland should lead discussions with the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio amid ongoing U.S. threats to take over the territory. Motzfeldt believes Greenland should engage in independent dialogue with other countries, despite being an autonomous territory of Denmark. These planned talks, scheduled for next week, follow repeated statements from U.S. President Donald Trump about acquiring Greenland, citing its strategic importance and accusing Denmark of inadequate security. While Greenland aspires to statehood and its own foreign policy, Motzfeldt acknowledged the current legal frameworks that require collaboration with Denmark. The discussions aim to address the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Greenland regarding the territory's future.

France is consulting with allies, including Germany and Poland, regarding a potential response to a possible US invasion of Greenland. This follows escalating tensions fueled by former President Trump's expressed interest in acquiring the Arctic territory and suggestions from his aides about using military force. Denmark, which governs Greenland, has warned that a US invasion would jeopardize NATO and post-World War II security. While European leaders have affirmed Greenland's right to self-determination, the Trump administration has stated that "a range of options" are being considered. The Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers are seeking urgent talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to de-escalate the situation, after Rubio reportedly ruled out an invasion.

In January 2026, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged President Trump to cease threats regarding the acquisition of Greenland. This followed Trump's renewed interest in annexing the territory, citing national security concerns and alleging insufficient Danish safeguarding of the island. Trump's comments came after a U.S. military raid in Venezuela, raising concerns about his international ambitions. Frederiksen asserted that the U.S. has no right to annex Greenland, emphasizing that it is not for sale and highlighting existing defense agreements granting the U.S. access. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also condemned Trump's rhetoric as unacceptable.

The article discusses concerns about the potential impact of a hypothetical US takeover of Greenland (a Danish territory) on NATO. It highlights the ambiguity in NATO's founding treaty regarding conflict between member states, specifically how Article 5 would apply if the US were to attack Greenland. The article suggests such an action would undermine the alliance's effectiveness and benefit Russia. It also references past remarks by Donald Trump questioning the US commitment to defending NATO members who don't meet defense spending targets and a US national security strategy that raised concerns about Europe's future. The article implies that recent diplomatic efforts to appease the US may not have resolved underlying tensions within NATO.

US Vice-President JD Vance criticized Denmark and Europe for allegedly failing to adequately secure Greenland, a territory he deems critical for missile defense against potential Russian or Chinese attacks. Vance stated that Europe has under-invested in Greenland's defenses and failed to engage with previous US arguments on the issue. His comments come amid renewed US interest in Greenland, including discussions of a potential purchase offer and concerns raised after suggestions of possible military action to annex it. Greenland's strategic location and natural resources, including rare earth minerals, are driving this interest. Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly stated the island is not for sale, while US officials plan to hold talks with Denmark regarding the territory.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland for national security reasons, citing concerns about Russian and Chinese presence in the Arctic region. Trump stated that Greenland is "covered with Russian and Chinese ships" and that the US needs it. The White House statement indicated that military options are being considered to achieve this foreign policy goal. Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark since 1979, has the right to declare independence. Leaders from Greenland and Denmark have consistently rejected the idea of selling the island, which hosts a US military base. Trump first expressed interest in acquiring Greenland in 2019.

In January 2026, President Trump reiterated his desire to annex Greenland from Denmark, suggesting the U.S. would pursue the acquisition "the hard way" if necessary, citing concerns about Russian or Chinese influence. Greenland, while a territory of Denmark, has its own government and the right to secede via referendum. The U.S. has reportedly considered offering payments, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per person, to Greenlanders to influence a potential vote on independence and subsequent union with the U.S. Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland dates back to his first term, viewing it as a strategic and real estate opportunity. These renewed annexation efforts follow a military operation last week in Caracas.

The Trump administration has repeatedly expressed interest in the U.S. gaining control of Greenland, a self-governing part of Denmark rich in minerals. While military action is considered unlikely, the U.S. has explored other options, including purchasing the island. The U.S. previously considered buying Greenland in the 19th and 20th centuries, even offering $100 million in 1946. However, both Danish and Greenlandic governments have stated Greenland is not for sale, and the island's self-rule law allows Greenlanders to decide their future through a referendum. Public opinion in Greenland is largely against becoming part of the U.S., but there is some openness to potential U.S. investment. The U.S. is currently pursuing a strategy of investing in Greenland's development and strengthening diplomatic ties.

Donald Trump has reiterated his interest in the United States acquiring Greenland, potentially through military means. The BBC interviewed residents in Nuuk, Greenland, about their reactions to Trump's renewed threats. Greenlanders expressed sentiments ranging from considering Trump "crazy" to simply wanting to be left alone. The situation unfolds amidst a global power struggle for the Arctic region, driven by its strategic importance for defense and its abundance of newly accessible rare earth minerals due to melting ice. The BBC's report highlights the local perspective on the geopolitical tensions surrounding Greenland.

Donald Trump's appointment of Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana, as a special envoy to Greenland has ignited a diplomatic dispute with Denmark. Landry stated his intention to make Greenland part of the U.S., while Greenland's prime minister emphasized the island's right to self-determination and territorial integrity. The appointment comes amid increasing strategic competition in the Arctic, driven by melting ice that is opening new shipping routes and providing access to valuable mineral resources. The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Greenland's sovereignty and the growing geopolitical importance of the Arctic region. The appointment happened on Sunday.

In December 2025, Denmark summoned the US ambassador following President Trump's appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed anger over Landry's appointment and his statement about making Greenland part of the US, calling it "totally unacceptable" and a violation of Danish sovereignty. The Danish Foreign Ministry will demand an explanation from the US ambassador. The EU also voiced support for Denmark's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This action follows Trump's repeated attempts to acquire Greenland, citing security reasons, despite opposition from both Denmark and Greenland, whose population largely desires independence from Denmark, but not integration with the US.

In December 2025, US President Donald Trump renewed his efforts to acquire Greenland, citing national security concerns. He appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to lead the acquisition efforts. Landry stated his intention to make Greenland "a part of the US," prompting protests from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who affirmed Greenland's self-determination. Trump defended his pursuit, claiming Greenland is vital for US defense due to the presence of Russian and Chinese ships in the region. The Danish government has publicly rejected any possibility of Greenland being annexed by the United States.