FT: Denmark-US talks could be scrapped over Greenland dispute

Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen is set to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week in what would be the first in-person high-level diplomatic talks between the two countries since Donald Trump’s re-election.

The meeting, scheduled to take place on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers' summit in Brussels on April 3, comes as tensions escalate over the US president’s renewed push to “take control” of Greenland.

The discussions, however, remain uncertain, with two officials briefed on the matter telling the Financial Times that the meeting could still be canceled due to strained relations between Washington and Copenhagen.

The planned talks coincide with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s visit to Greenland, just days after US Vice President JD Vance toured the Arctic island, further intensifying diplomatic exchanges between the two countries.

During Vance’s trip on March 28, Trump doubled down on his stance, declaring, “We have to have Greenland,” arguing that US control over the mineral-rich territory is essential for global security. He suggested that Denmark lacks the capability to counter increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic region.

American and Danish officials have had only limited diplomatic engagement in recent months. Rasmussen and Rubio last spoke in a 20-minute call in January, a week after Frederiksen and Trump had an acrimonious phone conversation regarding Greenland’s status.

Both the US State Department and the Danish government declined to comment on the upcoming meeting.

Denmark had previously sought to downplay Trump’s demands, encouraging its allies not to engage with his statements. However, in recent weeks, Copenhagen has shifted its strategy, adopting a more assertive response to Washington’s rhetoric.

Rasmussen publicly criticized the Trump administration over the weekend, rejecting its portrayal of Denmark’s governance of Greenland. “Of course, we are open to criticism,” he said. “But let me be completely honest: we do not appreciate the tone in which it’s being delivered… this is not how you speak to your close allies.”

The escalating pressure from Washington has also created visible strains within Greenland’s political leadership.

On March 31, Greenland’s outgoing Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt criticized Frederiksen’s visit, calling it “inappropriate” as a new government is set to be formally approved next week. “Good cooperation is linked to equality, and this is not equal,” Motzfeldt stated.

However, only minutes later, Greenland’s incoming Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen contradicted her, affirming that Frederiksen’s visit would proceed as planned and adding, “I am personally looking forward to it.”

Initially, some Greenlandic politicians saw Trump’s interest in the island as an opportunity to push for independence from Denmark. However, recent developments suggest growing concerns among Greenlanders about the risks of a hasty break from Copenhagen.

By Tamilla Hasanova