Verbal Understanding Established Between Trump and Rutte Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met on Wednesday and reached a verbal understanding on a future Greenland arrangement, though no written document has been produced [1][2]. The conversation aimed to lay groundwork for a broader framework rather than finalize terms, according to sources [1]. The White House said details will be released once all parties finalize them, and a U.S.–Denmark–Greenland working group was created last week to move toward a formal text [1].

Discussions Focus on Updating 1951 Defense Pact The talks included proposals to revise the 1951 U.S.–Denmark–Greenland defense agreement that governs the U.S. military presence on the island [1][2]. Proposed updates could add investment protections and a stronger NATO role while explicitly barring Russian and Chinese involvement in Greenland projects [1]. Rutte publicly denied discussing expanded U.S. access to Greenland’s mineral resources, highlighting lingering ambiguity about that component [1]. Danish and Greenlandic leaders reiterated that sovereignty cannot be compromised, setting a non‑negotiable baseline for any deal [1].

Ownership Question Remains Unanswered by Trump When pressed about whether the United States seeks ownership of Greenland, Trump paused and did not provide a direct answer, describing the framework as “infinite and forever” [2]. Analysts note that the proposed framework largely mirrors the existing 1951 pact, which already grants perpetual U.S. defense access, with only vague references to new elements such as a “Golden Dome” system and potential mineral‑rights provisions [2]. The lack of concrete terms leaves the scope of any new access or resource rights unclear [2].

Next Steps Involve Working‑Group Negotiations in Washington The newly formed working group is expected to convene in Washington to hammer out a written agreement, though the exact timing remains uncertain [1]. Denmark and Greenland insist that any final text respect their sovereignty, while the United States pushes for expanded defense and possibly economic components [1]. The White House continues to frame the process as ongoing and contingent on finalization by all parties [1].