U.S. and Danish officials are set to hold unannounced talks Wednesday about Greenland after reports that President Trump has expressed interest in acquiring the territory. The White House has acknowledged that a range of options, including possible military scenarios, have been discussed — language that has alarmed European allies. Danish and Greenlandic leaders insist Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark and oppose U.S. annexation, while U.S. lawmakers say Congress would block any forcible seizure. Diplomats warn the dispute could strain NATO and transatlantic ties.
U.S. and Denmark To Hold Unannounced Talks Over Greenland After Trump Raises Purchase, Military Options
Diplomatic sources tell CBS News that U.S. and Danish officials are scheduled to meet Wednesday for talks about Greenland. The meeting has not been publicly announced and comes amid heightened rhetoric after reports that President Trump has expressed interest in acquiring the Danish territory.
The White House has acknowledged that administration officials are reviewing a wide range of options, and reports have said those discussions have included military scenarios. That language has alarmed European allies and prompted sharp responses from Danish and Greenlandic leaders.
What Was Said
President Trump reiterated the possibility of asserting U.S. control over Greenland in recent remarks, saying,
"If we don't take Greenland, Russia or China will take Greenland, and I am not going to let that happen."He added,
"I'd love to make a deal with them. It's easier. But one way or the other, we're going to have Greenland."
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have signaled resistance to any military option. Sen. Tim Kaine told reporters he believes Congress would unite to block a forcible seizure, saying the United States should continue to work with Denmark—"a sovereign nation that we're allied with"—rather than treat it as an adversary.
Responses From Denmark and Greenland
Denmark's ambassador to the U.S., Jesper Møller Sørensen, emphasized historical and legal ties, noting that Greenland has long been part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenlandic political leaders reiterated they do not want to become part of the United States, insisting on their distinct Greenlander identity.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that a U.S. military attempt to seize Greenland could fatally undermine NATO, invoking Article 5 obligations that bind allies to consider an armed attack on one member an attack on all.
Wider Diplomatic Effects
European diplomats told CBS News that the episode has deepened concerns about the U.S. commitment to European defense and the NATO alliance, particularly in the wake of recent security challenges in Europe. Some diplomats described the Greenland dispute as a potential breaking point in transatlantic relations.
Note on reporting: The original reporting contained some attribution errors and specific names that could not be independently verified from the source material provided. This version preserves verified quotes and the central facts of the reported meeting while generalizing or clarifying uncertain attributions where necessary.
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