Following a White House meeting between Danish and Greenlandic representatives and top US officials, the parties disagree on the purpose of a new high-level working group. Denmark and Greenland emphasize security cooperation and sovereignty, while the White House claims the group will discuss a US takeover of Greenland. Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen warns that negotiations could become very difficult.
A meeting took place at the White House on Wednesday, January 15, 2026, where Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt met US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions concerned President Donald Trump's statements on US interest in Greenland, focusing on national security.
The parties agreed to form a high-level working group, but interpretations differ. According to Rasmussen, the group aims to find a common path forward while respecting Denmark's and Greenland's sovereignty. “We have a red line that Denmark's and Greenland's sovereignty must be respected; it is as clear as Trump's desire to take over Greenland,” he told Danish TV2.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the meeting as productive but claimed the group will hold technical talks on a US takeover of Greenland. “The president has been very clear about his priority. He wants the US to take over Greenland,” she said during a press briefing on Thursday. Leavitt added that Trump's goal is unaffected by the increased European military presence on Greenland, including about 150 Danish soldiers and officers from Sweden, Germany, Norway, Finland, and France.
Rasmussen reacted strongly, calling the White House's interpretation “some form of Trump communication.” “It shows that this will be really, really difficult,” he said. He predicted few meetings if US ambitions persist. Greenlandic parliamentarian Aaja Chemnitz criticized the statements: “That was not what was agreed yesterday. It means the credibility is not very high.” Motzfeldt emphasized the importance of restoring normal relations with the US.
This disagreement highlights tensions around Greenland's status as a Danish autonomous territory and NATO member.
