Denmark and Greenland Envoys Press White House as Trump Pushes Greenland Acquisition
Updated (3 articles)
Envoys Meet White House National Security Council to Oppose Takeover On January 8, Denmark’s ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen and Greenland’s Jacob Isbosethsen met NSC officials, urging the administration to abandon President Trump’s proposal to acquire Greenland, even by force; the White House declined comment on the discussion [1][2][3].
Trump Insists Ownership Beats Lease or Treaty in New York Times Interview Trump told the New York Times he prefers outright ownership of Greenland rather than a lease or treaty, arguing that only possession can deliver the security benefits he claims [1][3].
Rubio and Senior Officials Scheduled for High‑Level Talks Amid Envoy Silence Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers next week, while Trump‑appointed special envoy Landry has not yet contacted either party, heightening diplomatic tension [1][2][3].
Denmark, Greenland, and European Leaders Uniformly Reject Sale Claims Both Danish and Greenlandic representatives declared the island “not for sale,” and European heads of state—including France’s Macron—publicly defended Greenland’s sovereignty, condemning the U.S. rhetoric as unacceptable [2][3].
Bipartisan U.S. Lawmakers Voice Alarm Over Greenland Rhetoric Senator Lisa Murkowski warned the Senate that the Greenland focus is “troubling,” while Vice President JD Vance urged European partners to take Greenland’s security seriously, suggesting possible U.S. action if allies do not respond [3].
Sources (3 articles)
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[1]
The Hindu: Denmark, Greenland envoys press White House over Greenland takeover bid – Details the Jan 8 meeting, envoys’ private outreach to U.S. lawmakers, and upcoming Rubio‑Danish talks, emphasizing diplomatic pressure on Trump .
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[2]
CNN: Greenland and Denmark push back as White House meets officials over Trump's bid to buy Greenland – Highlights the envoys’ rejection of any sale, the absence of contact from envoy Landry, and Greenland PM’s condemnation of U.S. rhetoric .
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[3]
AP: Denmark and Greenland envoys press White House on Greenland takeover – Provides broader context including Trump’s NYT interview, Vance’s security warning, Murkowski’s Senate remarks, and the coordinated European defense of Greenland sovereignty .
Timeline
1951 – The U.S.–Denmark defense agreement grants Washington broad rights to operate bases in Greenland, including the Pituffik Space Base, and sets a legal backdrop for any future U.S. military expansion on the island[2].
Jan 2026 (early) – In a New York Times interview, President Donald Trump declares he “would rather own Greenland than rely on a lease or treaty,” arguing that ownership “provides capabilities that cannot be achieved through signing a document”[2][3]. The remark signals a shift from diplomatic leasing to a push for outright sovereignty.
Jan 8, 2026 – Denmark’s ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen and Greenland’s envoy Jacob Isbosethsen meet White House National Security Council officials, urging the administration to abandon Trump’s “takeover” plan and requesting a senior‑level dialogue[2][3].
Vice President JD Vance tells reporters that European allies must “take Greenland security seriously” and hints the U.S. “may have to act if allies do not protect the territory”[2].
Senator Lisa Murkowski warns on the Senate floor that the “Greenland rhetoric is profoundly troubling” and should not dominate U.S. policy, citing strategic risks for Alaska and Arctic defense[2].
Leaders from France, Canada, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the U.K. join Denmark’s prime minister in defending Greenland’s sovereignty; French President Macron condemns the “law of the strongest” and warns of destabilizing power plays[2].
Jan 9, 2026 – Greenland and Danish diplomats Jesper Møller Sørensen and Jacob Isbosethsen return to the White House, reiterating that “Greenland is not for sale” and demanding a high‑level meeting with a senior U.S. official[1].
Greenland’s prime minister issues a statement calling the U.S. rhetoric “unacceptable and disrespectful,” linking it to “Venezuela and military intervention”[1].
The Trump‑appointed special envoy to Greenland, announced in December, has not yet contacted Greenlandic or Danish officials, heightening diplomatic tension[1].
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is slated to meet Danish officials the following week, indicating continued high‑level engagement despite the pushback[1][3].
External resources (1 links)
- https://x.com/GreenlandRepDC/status/2008245444472963299 (cited 1 times)