Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has confirmed a "fundamental disagreement" with the United States over Greenland after talks at the White House.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt at the White House on Tuesday.
Though calling the meeting "a frank but also constructive" discussion "focused on how to ensure the long-term security in Greenland," Rasmussen told a press conference that Denmark and Greenland's "perspectives continue to differ" from the United States.
"I must say, the president (U.S. President Donald Trump) has made his view clear, and we have a different position," Rasmussen said, asserting that in Denmark's view, Greenland's long-term security "can be ensured inside the current framework."
Rasmussen added that they are open for further talks though fundamental disagreements persist.
Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said on Wednesday that strengthening cooperation with the United States is important, but this does not mean that Greenland hopes to be "owned" by the United States.
Trump said Wednesday morning that anything less than Greenland becoming a part of the United States "is unacceptable," citing the need for U.S. national security and the Golden Dome project.
"The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building," Trump said on his Truth Social.
"NATO should be leading the way for us to get it," he claimed, "NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the United States. Anything less than that is unacceptable."
Trump released the development plan for the "Golden Dome" missile defense system in May 2025.
The ambitious system is designed to create a comprehensive network of satellites capable of detecting, tracking, and intercepting incoming missiles. Trump touted the system would be "capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world and even if they are launched from space." The system would cost about 175 billion U.S. dollars.
Since his first term, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to acquire Greenland. Both Greenland and Denmark have made clear that the island is not for sale. The White House said last week that Trump will not rule out the use of force.
Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, while Denmark retains authority over defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island.
Denmark confirms 'fundamental disagreement' with US over Greenland
Denmark confirms 'fundamental disagreement' with US over Greenland
