Trump admin's Greenland aim 'totally unacceptable' but one move 'says a lot': analysis

A European diplomat says the aim of Donald Trump's administration has been made clear with one particular move.

The president has been clear with his intentions for the Kingdom of Denmark's territory, suggesting it is a matter of national security that the country is added to US territory. But a meeting between Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and a collection of Danish and Greenlandic politicians has given the country further cause for worry.

An unnamed European diplomat told Politico, "Vance hates us. He's the tough guy. The fact that he's there says a lot and I think it's negative for the outcome."

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen made it clear where Denmark stands on Trump's desire for Greenland. He said, "The president has this wish of conquering over Greenland."

"For us, ideas that would not respect territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, or the right of self determination of the Greenlandic people, are of course totally unacceptable. And we therefore still have a fundamental disagreement. And we agree to disagree."

Though they had a "frank" discussion about Greenland's future, Rasmussen says there must be "red lines" respected by the US in future conversations.

Another unnamed EU official suggested Vance is at the meeting because he "calls the shots" and has particular sway with the president. Others were pessimistic in their outlook for Greenland's future, with one official suggesting what the US wants is what the US will get.

They said, "It’s not clear what there is to negotiate because the Americans can already have whatever they want. The only thing that Denmark cannot give is to say Greenland can become American."

Trump made his intentions for Greenland clear in a furious Truth Social post yesterday (January 14). “The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON’T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

“Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent – Not even close!"

"They know that, and so do I. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable.”