U.S.–Denmark Standoff Over Greenland Deepens as European Allies Deploy Troops

Overview

• Germany, Sweden, Norway and France began sending units to Greenland for reconnaissance and exercises at Denmark’s request, while Copenhagen moved to expand its own military presence.
• Talks at the White House with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio ended without a breakthrough, and officials agreed to convene a high-level working group in the coming weeks.
• President Donald Trump repeated that the United States must take control of Greenland for national security, kept all options open, and pressed NATO to support the effort, citing Russia and China as risks.
• Danish and Greenlandic leaders reaffirmed territorial integrity and the Greenlanders’ right to self‑determination, as European officials including Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen publicly backed their stance.
• Media reports say U.S. officials are exploring non‑military acquisition paths such as a purchase or large payments, with Rubio reportedly asked to prepare a proposal, plans that Copenhagen rejects.