A Danish official said the “frank” talks on Greenland that took place at the White House did not change any minds, and that the nations “agree to disagree.”
This comes after Danish and Greenlandic officials met with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday morning in the White House. Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described the discussion as “frank but also constructive.”
“For us, ideas that would not respect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right of self-determination of the Greenlandic people are, of course, totally unacceptable,” Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said at a press conference.
“We therefore still have a fundamental disagreement, but we also agree to disagree, and therefore we will, however, continue to talk,” he added.
Earlier Wednesday, the White House’s X account shared a cartoon that depicts two dog sleds, bearing Greenland’s flag, facing two paths. One path leads to the U.S. flag and the White House under a sunny sky, while the other leads to a stormy landscape with the Russian and Chinese flags. The White House captioned the post: “Which way, Greenland man?”
Trump has repeatedly argued the U.S. must acquire Greenland for national security purposes. Despite Trump’s eagerness to seize the mineral-rich island, just 17 percent of Americans back his plan, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
Trump-Greenland key points
- JD Vance leads talks with Denmark and Greenland
- Danish official says country will 'agree to disagree' with U.S. on Greenland
- Trump says that Greenland is vital for an American 'Golden Dome'
- Buying Greenland would cost $700 billion, report says
- Greenland chooses Denmark over the US
ICYMI: White House shares provocative Greenland cartoon
22:45 , Katie HawkinsonThe White House’s X posted a provocative cartoon as Danish and Greenlandic officials arrived at the White House to meet with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The complicated relationship between the US and Greenland explained
22:30 , Paul BiermanPresident Donald Trump’s insistence that the U.S. will acquire Greenland “whether they like it or not” is just the latest chapter in a co-dependent and often complicated relationship between America and the Arctic’s largest island – one that stretches back more than a century.
Read more:
The complicated relationship between the US and Greenland explained
What the Greenland locals really think of Trump – and why he could be in for a shock
22:17 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump has said that the U.S. must acquire Greenland for national security reasons. But what do Greenlanders actually think of a takeover by Trump?
Dennis Lehtonen writes that the president could be in for a shock.
Keep reading:
What the Greenland locals really think of Trump – and why he’s in for a shock
Watch: Denmark declares ‘fundamental disagreement’ after US-Greenland talks
22:00 , Katie HawkinsonTrump says he spoke with NATO head on Greenland
21:42 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump said Wednesday he’s spoken with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about Greenland.
“I spoke with Mark, the head of NATO, and he really wants to see something happen,” Trump told reporters after he was asked about his push to acquire the territory.
Trump went on to say the U.S. has a “very good relationship with Denmark.”
ICYMI: Greenland chooses Denmark and Nato over the US, says PM
21:16 , Katie HawkinsonGreenland biathlete pursues Olympic dream while anxious about 'terrrifying' threats to her homeland
21:00 , Associated PressUkaleq Slettemark is used to the stress of competing on the world stage as she tries to qualify for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. But the 25-year-old biathlete from Greenland is facing an extra level of anxiety as U.S. President Donald Trump keeps saying he wants to take over her country.
Keep reading:
Greenland biathlete pursues Olympic dream while anxious about 'terrrifying' threats to her homeland
Trump says he won't reveal the options he's considering to acquire Greenland
20:44 , Katie HawkinsonWhen asked about his push to acquire Greenland and what options he’s considering, President Donald Trump told reporters he isn’t revealing what he’s “willing to do.”
“But it's very important, Greenland, it’s very important for the national security, including of Denmark,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon.
Germany and UK sending support to Greenland
20:31 , Katie HawkinsonGermany is sending a 13-person “reconnaissance team” to Greenland from Thursday until Saturday, according to a statement from the German Defense Ministry obtained by CNN.
Meanwhile, U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey has said a British military officer will also go to Greenland to support a “reconnaissance group.”
Denmark declares ‘fundamental disagreement’ after US-Greenland talks as Nato allies ramp up military presence
20:12 , Maira Butt and Bryony GoochDenmark has said that a "fundamental disagreement" over Greenland remains with President Donald Trump following talks with US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio on Wednesday.
Denmark and Greenland are stepping up their military presence on the island and allied reinforcements are expected to follow with Sweden confirming a deployment of military officers to the Arctic at Denmark’s request, according to a statement by prime minister Ulf Kristersson.
Keep reading:
‘Fundamental disagreement’ in US-Greenland talks as Nato allies up military presence
Old footage of Ted Cruz slamming Trump emerges
19:55 , Katie HawkinsonA 2016 video of Texas Senator Ted Cruz speaking out against President Donald Trump has resurfaced after it was shared by the X account “Republicans Against Trump.”
The comments date back to February 2016, just months before Trump was elected for his first term, according to a Politico report from the time.
Cruz slammed Trump’s temperament and claimed the U.S. could be “liable to wake up one morning and Donald, if he were president, would have nuked Denmark.”
“That’s not the temperament of a leader to keep this country safe,” Cruz added.
Full story: Denmark and US ‘agree to disagree’ on Greenland’s future, foreign minister says
19:40 , Andrew FeinbergThe United States, Denmark and Greenland will convene a “high-level working group” for talks on a “common way forward” after American, Danish and Greenlandic top diplomats ended a meeting in Washington amid President Donald Trump’s campaign of bellicose threats to acquire the arctic territory by force or by purchase.
Keep reading:
Denmark and US ‘agree to disagree’ on Greenland’s future, foreign minister says
U.S. push for Greenland is 'very emotional,' Danish official said
19:20 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump’s push to acquire Greenland has been a “very emotional” ordeal for the people of Denmark and Greenland, a Danish official said.
“It is, of course, very emotional for all of us, and of course, particularly for people living up in Greenland, but also for people in Denmark,” Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said at a press conference.
Danish official says country will 'agree to disagree' with U.S. on Greenland
19:14 , Katie HawkinsonA Danish official said the nation will “agree to disagree” with the U.S. after talks on Greenland earlier Wednesday.
“For us, ideas that would not respect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right of self-determination of the Greenlandic people are, of course, totally unacceptable,” Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said at a press conference.
“We therefore still have a fundamental disagreement, but we also agree to disagree, and therefore we will, however, continue to talk,” he added.
Denmark and Greenland officials recap meeting with Vance and Rubio
19:03 , Katie HawkinsonDenmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt hosted a press conference after meeting with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House earlier Wednesday.
“I met with Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio. Today we came here following a number of, how should I put it, remarkable public comments on Greenland and Arctic security,” Rasmussen said at the press conference.
“We had what I will describe as a frank, but also constructive, discussion. The discussions focused on how to ensure long-term security in Greenland. And here, our perspectives continue to differ,” he added.
Fox’s Sean Hannity claims Trump never flew on Epstein plane despite numerous flight log entries
19:00 , Joe SommerladFox News host Sean Hannity has claimed President Donald Trump never flew on Jeffrey Epstein’s private plane, despite Trump’s name appearing in the aircraft’s flight logs numerous times.
The conservative anchor was interviewing the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Kentucky Republican Rep. James Comer, on Hannity Tuesday evening after former president Bill Clinton and ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton refused to appear before his panel to discuss their past interactions with the late pedophile.
Keep reading:
Sean Hannity claims Trump never flew on Epstein’s plane, despite flight log entries
Macron warns of 'unprecedented' effects as Trump threatens Greenland
18:45 , Katie HawkinsonFrench President Emmanuel Macron has warned of “unprecedented” effects if the sovereignty of a European nation or ally is impacted, referencing President Donald Trump’s threats to Greenland, according to Reuters.
"We do not underestimate statements on Greenland," Macron said.
"If the sovereignty of a European country and ally were to be affected, the knock-on effects would be unprecedented. France is monitoring the situation very closely and will act in full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty,” he added.
Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at the Eurasia Group, wrote on X that this marks the “most direct warning so far by any European leader of willingness by the |EU| to retaliate politically and economically if the US annexes the giant Arctic island.”
Officers from the Swedish Armed Forces arriving in Greenland today
18:30 , Katie HawkinsonOfficers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland today, as President Donald Trump continues to push for U.S. control of the territory.
“Several officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland today. They are part of a group from several allied countries,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X.
Together, they will prepare for upcoming elements within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance. It is at Denmark's request that Sweden is sending personnel from the Armed Forces,” he said.
State Department pauses visa processing for 75 countries
18:15 , Katie HawkinsonThe State Department said it is pausing visa processing for 75 countries “whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates.”
“The pause impacts dozens of countries – including Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea – whose immigrants often become public charges on the United States upon arrival,” the agency said in a statement.
The agency said it will lift the pause when “the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.”
White House shares provocative Greenland cartoon
17:56 , Katie HawkinsonThe White House’s X account trolled Greenland with a provocative cartoon as officials from Denmark and the territory arrived to meet with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
White House meeting ends
17:41 , Katie HawkinsonThe meeting between officials from Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. has ended.
Photos show officials from Greenland and Denmark departing the White House, where they met with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Buying Greenland could cost US $700 billion - but only one in five Americans wants it
17:30 , Rhian LubinPresident Donald Trump’s plans to acquire Greenland could reportedly cost $700 billion, despite it being deeply unpopular with Americans.
Keep reading:
Buying Greenland could cost US $700 billion - but only one in five Americans wants it
Greenland’s dog sled race is questioning who invited Trump’s envoy to the event
17:15 , Mike BediganOrganizers of Greenland’s annual national dog sled race have questioned who invited Donald Trump’s U.S. envoy to the event, saying that its presence would be “wholly inappropriate” amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Keep reading:
Greenland’s dog sled race is questioning who invited Trump’s envoy to the event
Watch: Trump responds to Greenland PM rejecting US sovereignty
16:50 , Katie HawkinsonTrump to sign bill on serving whole and 2% milk in schools
16:35 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump is signing a bill Wednesday afternoon in the Oval Office that will allow schools to serve both whole and 2 percent milk to students, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote on X.
Several lawmakers and milk industry advocates will be present for the signing, USA Today reports.
Officials from Greenland and Denmark arrive at White House
16:12 , Katie HawkinsonOfficials from Greenland and Denmark arrived moments ago at the White House to meet with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to CNN.
Greenland officials ramp up military presence
16:00 , Katie HawkinsonOfficials from Greenland and Denmark are ramping up military presence in the territory, ahead of their meeting with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“Security tensions have spread to the Arctic. The Greenland Government and the Ministry of Defence have therefore decided to continue the Defence Force’s increased exercise activity in Greenland in close cooperation with NATO allies,” the Greenlandic government said in a statement, according to CNN.
In pictures: Officials from Greenland and Denmark prepare to meet with JD Vance
15:45 , Katie Hawkinson
Doug Burgum says Greenland needs to be controlled by 'someone who's even stronger than NATO'
15:30 , Katie HawkinsonInterior Secretary Doug Burgum told Fox Business that Greenland “needs to be in control of someone who is even stronger than NATO” as he praised President Donald Trump’s push to acquire the territory.
The U.S. is one of 32 members of NATO.
“If you look at that map from the top of the world down, Greenland plays a critical role in protecting both North America and Europe from incursion from Asia. President Trump is absolutely right — that needs to be in control of someone who is even stronger than NATO. That’s the United States of America,” Burgum said on Fox Business.
Officials from Greenland and Denmark prepare for meeting with Vance
15:15 , Katie HawkinsonVice President JD Vance is set to hold a closed-door meeting on Greenland later today.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen and Greenland’s foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, are both set to attend.
But The Washington Post reports that Morten Messerschmidt, the chairman of the right-wing Danish People’s Party, said the pair could be walking into a “lion’s den.”
Some experts do not expect a compromise to come out of today’s meeting.
“Frankly, the Danish have already offered everything that the Americans say they want and they have been refused,” Jeremy Shapiro, research director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told the Post.
Trump ending federal payments to sanctuary cities
14:53 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump said he’s ending federal payments to sanctuary cities starting next month.
“EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY FIRST, NO MORE PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO STATES FOR THEIR CORRUPT CRIMINAL PROTECTION CENTERS KNOWN AS SANCTUARY CITIES,” the president wrote on Truth Social.
“ALL THEY DO IS BREED CRIME AND VIOLENCE! If States want them, they will have to pay for them! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”
In general, the term “sanctuary cities” refers to jurisdictions with policies that limit or define how much information local or state governments share with federal immigration officials, according to the non-profit Global Refuge.
Five reasons why Trump says he needs Greenland
14:45 , Owen ScottDonald Trump has given many reasons for why he needs Greenland, from rare earth minerals to defending the region from Putin’s Russia (despite saying he has a “good relationship” with the Russian leader).
Here are just a few of Trump’s motives for plotting a takeover of the island.
Danica Kirka & James C. Reynolds have the full report...
EU President says Greenland can 'count' on Europe
14:30 , Owen Scott
The president of the European Commission (the body that leads the E.U.) is the latest leader to rally behind Greenland, ahead of the crunch talks in the U.S.
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, President Ursula Von der Leyen said that “Greenland belongs to its people.”
“There is a strong, existing relationship between the European Union and the Greenlanders,” she added. “For me it’s important that the Greenlanders know and they know this by the deeds, not only by the words, that we respect the wishes of the Greenlanders and their interests and that they can count on us.”
Watch: Trump threatens Iran as tensions soar
14:15 , Owen ScottDonald Trump has warned that Iran should “behave” as tensions between the Middle Eastern country and the U.S. continue to build.
Protests have swept across Iran in recent days, with Trump claiming that “help is on its way” for the demonstrators. He has not elaborated on what that means.
However, the crisis in Iran is yet another international affair in which Trump hopes to involve the U.S. as he grapples with intervention in Venezuela and fury from Europe over his stance on Greenland.
Greenland's PM talks down future of independence amid tensions with US
14:00 , Owen Scott
Greenland’s Prime Minister says now is “not the time” to talk about independence from Denmark, amid rising tensions with the U.S.
“I don’t think this is the time to talk about it,” Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told KNR, referring to independence. “We shouldn’t gamble with our right to self-determination when another country is talking about taking us.”
“That doesn’t mean we won’t want something different in the future,” he added. “But here and now, we are part of the (Danish) kingdom, and we stand with the kingdom. That is particularly important in this serious situation.”
Donald Trump’s furious Truth Social posting has continued throughout the morning, with the president now claiming “only the USA” can defend Greenland.
Trump has long claimed that an alleged Russian and Chinese military build-up in the region threatens US national security. He is now suggesting that Denmark received reports of increased aggression in the region last year.
“NATO: Tell Denmark to get them out of here, NOW! Two dogsleds won’t do it! Only the USA can!!!,” he seethed.
“Danish intel warned last year about Russian and Chinese military goals toward Greenland and Arctic,” Trump continued.
However, the Just the News article cited by Trump in his post actually suggests that Danish officials are moving to counter the Russian-Chinese activity.
Denmark has also already announced plans to increase its own military presence in the area.
Vance's meeting with Danish and Greenlander officials has reportedly switched venue
13:19 , Owen Scott
The meeting between JD Vance and the foreign ministers from Greenland and Denmark has reportedly moved from the White House to the neighbouring Eisenhower Building, according to Danish broadcaster TV2.
The Eisenhower Building houses Vance’s ceremonial offices, with TV2 suggesting that the meeting has switched venues to move it further away from Trump.
The meeting will kick off at 10.30am E.T.
Watch: NATO chief says that Greenland's sovereignty is 'non-negotiable'
13:15 , Owen ScottNATO chief Mark Rutte has said that Greenland’s security is “non-negotiable.”
He says that all allies agree on the importance of security in the Arctic and has warned that there must be diligence from NATO towards Chinese and Russian activity in the region.
What do Greenlanders really think about a Trump takeover?
13:01 , Owen ScottDonald Trump has said that the United States “needs” Greenland for national security reasons, citing concerns over Russian activity in the region and the island’s vast natural resources.
But what do the island’s inhabitants actually think of a takeover by Trump?
Dennis Lehtonen says that the U.S. president could be in for a shock.
Here’s the full story...
What the Greenland locals really think of Trump – and why he’s in for a shock
Why does the United States even want Greenland?
12:45 , Owen ScottGreenland’s natural resources are back on the agenda, a year after then-U.S. national security advisor Michael Waltz announced: “This is about critical minerals. This is about natural resources.”
Greenland is endowed with both fossil fuels and critical raw materials. It possesses at least 25 of the 34 raw materials considered critical by the European Union.
However, that is not the only reason that Donald Trump covets the island.
Lukas Slothuus has the full story...
Greenland has vast natural resources – but that’s not why the US wants it
Watch: Trump hits out as Greenland rejects US takeover
12:30 , Owen ScottDonald Trump raged at the Greenlandic prime minister after he firmly rejected a US takeover on Tuesday.
Buying Greenland would cost $700 billion, report says
12:05 , Owen Scott
A purchase of Greenland by the United States could cost as much as $700 billion, according to a report.
The estimate was created by former U.S. officials and scholars, with three sources giving the information to NBC News.
The huge cost is more than half of the Defence Department’s annual budget.
However, officials in Greenland have repeatedly rejected the idea of a purchase of the island by the U.S.
“We can’t see it, we can’t recognize it and we can’t understand it,” Jess Berthelsen, chair of SIK, Greenland’s national trade union confederation, told The Guardian.
Trump says that Greenland is vital for an American 'Golden Dome'
11:50 , Owen Scott
Donald Trump has reiterated his call for a U.S. take over of Greenland, in a fresh Truth Social post ahead of the meeting.
The president has claimed that seizing the island is vital for an American “Golden Dome” missile defense system.
“It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it,” he raged. “IF WE DON’T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!
“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, he continued. “NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES.”
“Anything less than that is unacceptable,” he added.
Marco Rubio has said that the US plans to buy Greenland - not annex it
11:45 , Owen Scott
Marco Rubio reportedly hopes that the US will buy Greenland, instead of annexing it, according to reports.
The U.S. Secretary of State made the remarks to lawmakers from the main armed services and foreign policy committees in both the House and the Senate, according to the New York Times.
Concerns were allegedly raised by committee members after Donald Trump’s action actions Venezuela, which saw him abducting the country’s president, as fears that he may take over Greenland continue to grow.
However, Rubio reportedly thinks that the U.S. will purchase Greenland, although he did not go into detail about what he meant.
European leaders rally behind Greenland as today's meeting looms
11:23 , Owen Scott
European leaders have rallied behind Greenland, as the island’s foreign minister jets to Washington to meet with JD Vance.
France has announced plans to open a consulate on the island, which President Emmanuel Macron hopes will send a “political signal” that the country is eager to strengthen its ties to Europe.
“Greenland does not want to be owned, governed... or integrated into the United States. Greenland has made the choice of Denmark, Nato, (European) Union,” he added, while speaking to AFP reporters.
Meanwhile, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has warned that aggressive U.S. action could put NATO in uncharted waters.
“The least we can say is that it would be a real unprecedented situation in the history of Nato and in the history of any defence alliance in the world,” he said at a press conference.
Donald Trump says Greenland's desire to remain part of Denmark is a 'big problem'
11:15 , Owen Scott
Donald Trump has raged against the Greenlandic Prime Minister after he expressed his nation’s wish to remain as part of Denmark.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he reiterated his own wish to take control of the island.
“I disagree with him. I don’t know who he is. I don’t know anything about him,” Trump seethed. “But, that’s going to be a big problem for him.”
Watch: Donald Trump claims that Russia and China are poised to take over Greenland
11:03 , Owen ScottDonald Trump has suggested that Russia and China could take over Greenland, as the Arctic becomes an increasingly important region for global security.
However, the island in the Atlantic is a member of the Kingdom of Denmark and, therefore, already included in the NATO umbrella.
That has led many to question why Trump needs to control the island directly in order to protect it.
Denmark to ramp up its military presence in Greenland
10:45 , Owen Scott
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen says that his country will be ramping up its military operations in Greenland.
Speaking to the AFP news agency, he said that the country was in an “ongoing dialogue” with its allies over new military activity which could begin this year.
“We will continue to strengthen our military presence in Greenland, but we will also have an even greater focus within Nato on more exercises and an increased Nato presence in the Arctic,” he added.
Watch: Greenland chooses Denmark over the US
10:20 , Owen ScottThe Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told reporters that Greenland “does not want to be owned by the US.”
Speaking alongside Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, he said that his nation chooses to remain as part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Vance paid an antagonistic visit to Greenland less than a year ago
09:59 , Owen ScottJD Vance visited Greenland in March last year, shortly after taking office as vice president.
At the time, Trump had begun repeating his now-familiar desire to take control of Greenland.
Vance’s largely unwelcome visit was part of an alleged effort to emphasise that the island had the right to “self-determination,” with the vice president noting that he hoped they would choose to join the United States.
However, during his visit, Vance remained on Pituffik, the United States’ military base on the island. He did not meet any of the island’s 57,000 residents, according to DW.
His visit was originally slated to be led by Usha Vance, his wife, before he joined the trip.
JD Vance will lead Trump team in talks with Denmark and Greenland
09:40 , Owen ScottVice President JD Vance will host the crunch-time meeting with Greenland and Denmark’s Prime Ministers today.
The showdown in Washington comes as tensions between Europe and the United States continue to soar, as Donald Trump ramps up his attempts to take control of the mineral rich island.
However, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has repeatedly reiterated that the US will not being given control over the island.
”One thing must be clear to everyone: Greenland does not want to be owned by the US, Greenland does not want to be governed by the US, Greenland does not want to be part of the US,” he told reporters, ahead of the talks. “We choose the Greenland we know today, which is a part of the Kingdon of Denmark.”
