US President Donald Trump renewed his strong stance on Greenland following a high-level meeting between officials from the United States and Denmark. On Wednesday, Trump said Greenland is “crucial” to American national security and raised doubts about Denmark’s ability to protect the territory from global powers such as China and Russia.

His comments made it clear that deep differences remain between Washington, Copenhagen and Greenland, even after the talks.

“Greenland is very important for the national security, including that of Denmark,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “And the problem is there’s not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland, but there’s everything we can do. You found that out last week with Venezuela,” he added.

Denmark says talks failed to bridge core disagreement

Earlier the same day, Denmark’s foreign minister said the discussions with US officials failed to resolve what he called a “fundamental disagreement.” He said President Trump remains determined to “conquering” Greenland, a stance that has triggered unprecedented tensions between the US and one of its Nato allies.

Lars Løkke Rasmussen said it was “absolutely not necessary” for the United States to take control of Greenland, which is largely self-governing but remains part of the Danish kingdom.

“We didn’t manage to change the American position. It’s clear that the president has this wish of conquering Greenland. And we made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the kingdom," Rasmussen said.

He also urged Washington to pursue a more “respectful” approach while dealing with Arctic issues related to Greenland.

European nations rally behind Denmark

Denmark received strong backing from European partners following Trump’s remarks. France, Germany and Norway said they would contribute troops to a multinational force led by Denmark.

According to a statement from the Danish defence ministry, the move would result in “an increased military presence in and around Greenland, comprising aircraft, vessels and soldiers, including from Nato allies.”

Working group agreed, but core dispute remains

Despite sharp disagreements, both sides agreed to form a working group to explore ways to manage differences. The group will focus on addressing US security concerns while respecting Denmark’s position.

“The group, in our view, should focus on how to address the American security concerns, while at the same time respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark,” Rasmussen told reporters after meeting alongside Greenland’s foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt.

High-level talks closely watched

The meeting on Greenland’s future lasted nearly an hour and drew significant international attention. US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland.

Some observers had feared the talks could turn into pressure tactics aimed at pushing Denmark to give up control of the territory.

Trump repeats takeover demand before talks

Just hours before the meeting, Trump again stressed that Greenland should not fall under the control of any country other than the United States. He described it as “unacceptable” for the island to be “in the hands” of another power.

“The US needs Greenland for national security. Nato should be leading the way for us to get it,” Trump said on social media. He claimed the alliance would become “far more formidable and effective” if Greenland came under US control.

“It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building,” he added, referring to a proposed missile defence system.

Dispute remains unresolved

Despite diplomatic engagement and the formation of a working group, the core issue surrounding Greenland’s future remains unresolved. Positions on both sides remain firm, keeping tensions alive between the United States, Denmark and its European allies.