Copenhagen: US President Donald Trump has said negotiations are underway for a deal that would give the United States what he described as “total access” to Greenland, the strategically located Arctic territory governed by Denmark, intensifying a diplomatic standoff with European allies.
Speaking in a television interview, Trump claimed the United States would secure everything it wanted “at no cost,” signalling an aggressive push to expand America’s strategic footprint in the Arctic. While stopping short of explicitly confirming an acquisition of Greenland, Trump said discussions were focused on unrestricted access with no time limits.
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“It’s really being negotiated now — the details of it — but essentially it’s total access,” he said, adding that Greenland would play a key role in the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system.
Trump argued that the island is critical to US national security, citing missile trajectories and growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic as melting ice opens new shipping routes. He said parts of America’s missile shield would be positioned in Greenland, calling it a “very important” location for early warning and defence.
The remarks come days after Trump said a “framework of a future deal” had emerged following discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, prompting speculation about a broader security arrangement involving Greenland and Arctic cooperation.
However, Denmark moved swiftly to reject any suggestion that Greenland’s sovereignty was on the table.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Copenhagen was open to dialogue on security, investments and economic cooperation, but made clear that territorial control was not negotiable.
“We can negotiate about many things politically — security, investments, the economy. But we cannot negotiate about our sovereignty,” Frederiksen said in a statement.
She added that only Denmark and Greenland had the authority to make decisions concerning the territory and stressed that any cooperation with allies must respect Denmark’s territorial integrity.
Greenland, a self-governing region within the Kingdom of Denmark, has repeatedly opposed earlier US attempts to acquire the island. Political leaders in Nuuk have also stated that Greenland is not for sale.
Trump’s renewed push has unsettled NATO partners, particularly after earlier comments in which he hinted at the possibility of military action to secure Greenland — remarks that drew sharp reactions across Europe. While addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, Trump ruled out the use of force but called for immediate negotiations.
European officials have since rallied behind Denmark, underscoring alliance unity amid concerns that Washington’s approach could strain transatlantic relations.
Security analysts note that Greenland’s strategic value has risen sharply as Arctic geopolitics intensify, with major powers competing for influence over emerging sea routes and access to critical resources.
US officials argue that expanding American access would strengthen NATO’s northern flank and improve missile defence coverage. Denmark, while acknowledging the need for closer Arctic cooperation, insists this must occur within existing legal and political frameworks.
Diplomatic sources said discussions between Washington, Copenhagen and NATO partners are expected to continue, though no formal agreement has been announced and key details of the proposed framework remain unclear.
For now, Denmark has drawn a firm line on sovereignty, even as it signals willingness to engage the US on broader security arrangements in the Arctic.
Further developments are awaited.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
