Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said it is “clear” that former U.S. President Donald Trump has a desire to invade Greenland, as French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would deploy troops to the island at Denmark’s request.
Speaking after a meeting with U.S. officials at the White House, Rasmussen noted that positions between the two sides remain “different,” stressing that it is “by no means necessary” for the United States to take control of Greenland. He added that Denmark has been unable to change the U.S. stance, emphasizing that such a move would not serve Danish interests, and urged Washington to engage in “respectful” cooperation over the Arctic island.
In parallel, Rasmussen and Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt reaffirmed their readiness to cooperate with the United States to address Washington’s security concerns, following Trump’s escalation of rhetoric about his country’s intention to take over Greenland. Motzfeldt said Greenland seeks to be an ally of the United States, not a subordinate.
These statements came in response to a post by Trump on his Truth Social platform, as well as a press conference in which he claimed the United States needs Greenland to strengthen its national security. Trump said the island should be “in the hands of the United States,” adding that “anything less is unacceptable.” Speaking at the White House, he also asserted that he could not rely on Denmark to defend the island, noting that he had discussed the issue with the NATO Secretary General and that he strongly wanted to “see something happen.”
Against this backdrop, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France would send troops to Greenland at Denmark’s request, joining other European allies in military exercises on the Arctic island. Macron said an initial contingent of French forces is already on its way, with additional troops to follow.
Germany’s Ministry of Defense also announced plans to deploy military personnel, describing the move as “exploratory” and aimed at assessing potential contributions to supporting Denmark’s security in the region. Macron added that France would take part in joint drills organized by Denmark under the name “Operation Arctic Resilience,” with Sweden and Norway also confirming their participation.
During a government briefing, Macron addressed the U.S. threats, warning that any challenge to the sovereignty of a European ally would have unprecedented consequences. He stressed that France is closely monitoring the situation and will act in full solidarity with Denmark.
Greenland enjoys a high degree of self-governance while remaining under the sovereignty of Denmark, a NATO member. Home to around 57,000 people, the island holds significant strategic importance due to its Arctic location and natural resources, making it a focal point in the intensifying competition involving the United States, Russia, and China, particularly as melting ice driven by climate change opens new strategic and economic opportunities in the Arctic.
