In a significant diplomatic development, the United States, Denmark, and Greenland have agreed to establish a high-level working group to address escalating tensions over the future status of the world’s largest island. The agreement came following a high-stakes meeting at the White House on January 14, 2026, involving US Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt.
Despite characterizing the discussions as “frank but constructive,” Minister Rasmussen acknowledged that “fundamental disagreements” persist between the nations. The core dispute centers on US President Donald Trump’s persistent ambition to acquire Greenland, which he has deemed essential for national security and the controversial Golden Dome project—a stance that directly conflicts with Danish and Greenlandic sovereignty positions.
The newly established working group will explore potential compromise areas while respecting what Rasmussen described as “red lines”—specifically the territorial integrity of the Danish Kingdom and Greenland’s right to self-determination. The minister emphasized that any proposals violating these principles would be “totally unacceptable,” reflecting the firm stance maintained by both Danish and Greenlandic leadership.
The tension reached new heights earlier this week when Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen presented a united front in Copenhagen, denouncing what they characterized as “completely unacceptable pressure” from their traditional ally. Nielsen unequivocally stated that if forced to choose between the US and Denmark, Greenland would maintain its current constitutional relationship.
This geopolitical standoff represents the latest chapter in Trump’s longstanding interest in acquiring Greenland, which dates back to his first presidential term. Despite repeated assertions from both Nuuk and Copenhagen that the island is not for sale, the White House recently declined to rule out the use of force, further complicating diplomatic relations between the NATO allies.
Greenland, while enjoying self-governance in domestic affairs, remains under Danish sovereignty for defense and foreign policy matters. The United States maintains a strategic military presence at Thule Air Base, adding complex security dimensions to the ongoing negotiations that will commence within weeks.