> At a Glance
> – Danish ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen and Greenland’s U.S. envoy Jacob Isbosethsen met Trump officials Thursday
> – President Trump says “ownership” of Greenland is psychologically and strategically needed for U.S. security
> – Secretary Marco Rubio will huddle with both countries’ foreign ministers next week
> – Why it matters: The talks spotlight rising U.S. concern over Arctic missile defense as Trump pushes for control of the island
White House officials sat down Thursday with Denmark’s ambassador and Greenland’s top U.S. envoy after President Donald Trump repeatedly called for the United States to acquire the semiautonomous island, citing national-security needs.
The White House Meeting
A source familiar with the session confirmed the talks, while a senior administration official verified attendees but declined to name which Trump aides took part.
Trump’s Stance
- Trump told The New York Times that outright “ownership” is essential, saying:
> “I think that ownership gives you things and elements that you can’t get from just signing a document.”
- He added ownership is “psychologically needed for success”
Capitol Hill Follow-Up
The envoys also briefed a bipartisan group of senators, stressing Arctic cooperation.
Ambassador Sørensen posted afterward:
> “Denmark recently invested $4 billion in Arctic security, expanding our armed forces’ permanent presence.”
Firm Rebuttal
Greenland representative Isbosethsen told NBC News:
> “Greenland is not for sale. Our country belongs to the Greenlandic people.”
Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker concluded:
> “There’s no willingness to negotiate a purchase or change in title, and they’re right to make that clear.”
Key Takeaways
- Secretary Rubio’s upcoming meeting keeps diplomatic channels open
- Denmark highlights its NATO role and Arctic spending
- Trump, supported by VP JD Vance, frames Greenland as crucial to missile defense
- Leaders in Greenland and Denmark reject any sale talks
The flurry of meetings shows the Arctic territory remains high on Washington’s security agenda as the administration weighs its next move.
