Troops and vessels from European Nato allies arrive in Greenland

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated on January 13, 2026, that the territory prefers to remain part of Denmark rather than join the United States. This announcement, made in Copenhagen alongside Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, comes amid ongoing pressure from the US President Donald Trump to take over the island. The Greenland government has rejected any US takeover, emphasizing its membership in NATO through Denmark. Trump's insistence on seizing Greenland has created a geopolitical crisis, sparking outrage from European allies. US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are scheduled to meet with Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers at the White House to discuss the situation.

US Vice President JD Vance is hosting Danish, Greenlandic, and US foreign ministers in Washington D.C. on Wednesday to discuss the future of Greenland. The meeting comes amid renewed US interest in the Arctic island, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. Former US President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to acquire Greenland, citing national security concerns, leading to diplomatic tensions. Denmark, supported by European powers, maintains its sovereignty over Greenland. The meeting aims to address the island's status and navigate the complex geopolitical interests surrounding it. A BBC Europe editor is currently in Greenland gathering perspectives from Greenlanders regarding Trump's interest in their territory.

Tensions are escalating between the US, Denmark, and Greenland as Donald Trump dismisses Greenland's Prime Minister's rejection of a US acquisition, stating it will be a "big problem" for him. These comments precede planned talks in Washington between Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers and US officials regarding the matter. The dispute has already impacted relations, with Danish tourism to the US dropping significantly. Several European nations, including Poland, Spain, Germany, and France, have commented on the situation, with France planning to open a consulate in Greenland. Denmark plans to increase its military presence in Greenland and discuss increased NATO activities. A recent poll indicates that only 17% of Americans support acquiring Greenland.

Troops and vessels from several European NATO allies, including Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK, have arrived in Greenland. The deployment occurs amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Arctic territory. Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, acknowledged a geopolitical crisis and indicated a preference for Denmark over the US should a choice be necessary. The increased activity follows statements from former US President Donald Trump expressing the US's need to "own" Greenland to prevent Russian or Chinese influence in the region. The limited deployment highlights the growing strategic importance of Greenland to both European and global powers.

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.

Following a tense meeting between Danish, Greenlandic, and U.S. officials, European troops are deploying to Greenland, and Denmark is increasing its military presence there. The deployment, involving forces from France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden, comes after Donald Trump reiterated U.S. interest in acquiring Greenland for national security reasons, citing concerns about Denmark's ability to protect the island. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that Greenland's defense is a shared concern for NATO and that a working group will be established to improve Arctic security. Joint exercises involving allied nations are also planned in and around Greenland. The increased military activity aims to deter any potential U.S. takeover and reinforce Arctic security amid ongoing disagreements.

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.

In January 2026, the article reports on President Trump's continued interest in the United States acquiring Greenland from Denmark. Trump cites national security concerns related to Russia and China as justification, though some believe his interest stems from the island's size. Greenland, at 836,000 square miles, would be the largest U.S. land acquisition in history, surpassing the Louisiana Purchase, Mexican Cession, and Alaska Purchase. Despite ongoing discussions involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Danish and Greenlandic officials, both Denmark and Greenland maintain that the island is not for sale. Trump has expressed a desire to acquire Greenland "the easy way," but has also alluded to alternative methods if necessary.

European allies, including France and Germany, are collaborating on a plan in response to potential U.S. actions to acquire Greenland. This follows President Trump's renewed interest in acquiring the Danish territory, citing national security concerns, with the White House stating that using the U.S. military is an option. European leaders, along with Nordic leaders and Denmark, have reaffirmed Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland. Discussions among European foreign ministers are planned, but a senior European official stated that Denmark needs to lead the coordination effort and communicate what support it needs from its allies. The situation is developing as European nations consider how to respond to the U.S.'s potential pursuit of Greenland.

Secretary of State Rubio informed lawmakers that President Trump intends to buy Greenland, not invade it, and Trump has requested an updated plan for acquiring the territory. This comes after lawmakers raised concerns about Trump's intentions, particularly given recent remarks by the president and a top aide. Greenland is an autonomous territory ruled by Denmark, a NATO member. Leaders from six NATO nations, including Denmark, issued a joint statement rejecting any U.S. takeover of Greenland and emphasizing the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement affirmed that Greenland belongs to its people and that decisions regarding the territory are solely for Denmark and Greenland to make. The White House has stated that Trump has not ruled out a U.S. invasion of Greenland.

In January 2026, Greenlandic lawmaker Aaja Chemnitz reiterated that Greenland is not for sale amid renewed threats from U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration to take control of the autonomous Danish territory. Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing its strategic importance and concerns about Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. Chemnitz welcomed upcoming talks between U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials but emphasized Greenland's unwavering stance on its autonomy. Trump's pursuit has faced opposition from Greenland, Denmark, the EU, and other allies, who have reaffirmed their commitment to Arctic security and international law. Nordic countries have stressed the importance of respecting borders and cooperation in the region.

In January 2026, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that a U.S. attack on Greenland would dissolve NATO. Her warning followed renewed calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for the U.S. to take control of the Arctic island, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark. Frederiksen's comments were also prompted by a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, including the abduction of its leader, which raised concerns in Denmark and Greenland. She emphasized that a military attack on a NATO country by the U.S. would end the alliance and the security it has provided since World War II. Trump has not ruled out using military force to acquire Greenland, and a special envoy supporting annexation was recently appointed.

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.

Donald Trump is renewing calls for the U.S. to take over Greenland, prompting tensions with Greenland and Denmark, which controls the territory's foreign and security policy. Trump claims he needs Greenland for national security reasons, citing its strategic location between the U.S. and Russia. Greenland is emerging as a geopolitical battleground due to the climate crisis. The island holds valuable resources, including oil, gas, and minerals essential for green technology, attracting global interest, including from China. Acquiring Greenland could allow the U.S. to control these resources and potentially limit China's influence. Melting Arctic ice is also opening new shipping routes, adding to Greenland's strategic importance.

In January 2026, the possibility of a U.S. takeover of Greenland emerged, potentially disrupting U.S. foreign policy. According to the Atlantic Council's Melinda Haring, the U.S. interest stems from Greenland's rich resources, including rare earth minerals, gold, and oil. U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly considered a military takeover of the island. Greenland is currently a territory of Denmark, which is also a member of NATO. This potential action by the U.S. could strain relations within the NATO alliance.

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.

In January 2026, all five political parties elected to Greenland's parliament issued a joint statement rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to take control of the Arctic island. The parties emphasized that Greenland's future must be decided by its people without external interference. This response followed Trump's suggestions of using force to seize the mineral-rich territory from Denmark, raising international concerns about the island's strategic importance and defense. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen posted the statement on social media, reiterating the desire for self-determination. The Inatsisartut, Greenland's parliament, will hold an earlier meeting than scheduled to ensure a comprehensive debate and secure the rights of the Greenlandic people.

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.