European military forces are deploying to Greenland while the White House clarifies its position on US acquisition of the territory.
White House on Greenland Acquisition
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “The president has clearly defined his priorities. He wants the United States to acquire Greenland. He believes this is in our national security interest.” When asked about European troops potentially influencing the decision, she added, “I don’t believe the presence of European troops has any impact on the president’s decision-making process or his goal of acquiring Greenland.”
European Soldiers in Greenland
On Thursday, 13 German military personnel arrived in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, at Denmark’s invitation. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced on social media that his country is sending a group of officers to Greenland. French President Emmanuel Macron also announced increased engagement in an international reconnaissance mission, stating that the first group of French military personnel is already in place and will be reinforced in the coming days with land, air, and sea assets. Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik informed that Oslo is sending two soldiers to develop further NATO alliance cooperation. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen declared that Denmark will increase its military presence on the island, emphasizing Greenland’s strategic importance for Arctic security. Estonia is also ready to send soldiers.
Trump: If We Don’t Take Greenland, Russia or China Will
“The United States needs Greenland for national security. It is essential for the ‘Golden Dome’ we are building. NATO should lead us in its acquisition. IF WE DON’T DO THIS, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN!” – US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday. “NATO will become far more threatening and effective when Greenland is in the hands of THE UNITED STATES. Anything else is unacceptable,” he assessed.
White House Meeting
On Wednesday, January 14, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen and Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt met with US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. After the White House visit, Rasmussen acknowledged that fundamental disagreements remain between the US, Denmark, and Greenland. “However, we recognized these disagreements and will continue to talk. We decided to establish a working group to explore whether there is a common path forward,” he announced. The ministers argued that the US already has a cooperation agreement with Greenland, allowing Americans to significantly increase their military presence on the island.