Why Greenland's Leaders Are Alarmed by US Interest in Their Territory

Greenland's government officials are expressing significant alarm over the United States' discussions about potentially acquiring their territory. Naaja Nathanielsen, a senior official, highlighted the anxiety felt by the local population, especially children, as they grapple with the implications of US rhetoric. As tensions rise, a key meeting is set to take place in Washington involving US and Danish officials to address these concerns. Greenland's leaders firmly state that their territory is not for sale, emphasizing the need for cooperation without coercion. This situation reflects broader geopolitical tensions in the Arctic region, raising questions about national security and international relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 22:57 IST

Concerns Over US Intentions

Nuuk: A high-ranking official from the Greenland government expressed deep concern on Tuesday regarding discussions in the United States about potentially taking control of the NATO ally. Naaja Nathanielsen, the minister responsible for business and mineral resources in Greenland, stated that the local population is feeling extremely anxious about the rhetoric coming from the US.

Her comments came just a day prior to an important meeting in Washington involving foreign ministers from the semi-autonomous Danish territory, Denmark, and senior US officials, amidst rising tensions over the US's interest in Greenland.

Nathanielsen noted, "People are losing sleep, children are frightened, and this situation is affecting everyone. We simply cannot comprehend it," during a session with British lawmakers.

In a related development, a Danish official confirmed that Denmark had provided support to US forces in the eastern Atlantic last week, assisting in the interception of an oil tanker for breaching US sanctions.

The official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue, did not disclose specific details about the support provided.

The US's interception of the tanker marked the conclusion of a week-long pursuit that began in the Caribbean Sea, as the US enforced a blockade in Venezuelan waters aimed at capturing sanctioned vessels.

The White House and Pentagon have yet to respond to inquiries regarding this matter. Reports of Danish support for the US operation were initially covered by a news outlet.

Nathanielsen acknowledged that Greenlanders recognize the US's perspective of Greenland as part of its national security interests. "We understand this and are willing to collaborate," she stated, adding that there is a need for enhanced monitoring in the Arctic due to increasing geopolitical tensions.

She emphasized, however, that such changes should not involve coercion, stating, "It is incomprehensible to think that Greenland could be sold or annexed."

US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are scheduled to meet with the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland on Wednesday at the White House to discuss the Trump administration's interest in acquiring Greenland, according to a US official and two sources familiar with the plans who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Denmark's foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, previously mentioned that Vance would host a meeting with him and Greenland's foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, in Washington this week, with Rubio also in attendance.

During a joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen, Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reiterated that Greenland is not for sale, as reported by Danish media. He asserted that Greenland does not wish to be owned or governed by the US.

Frederiksen also emphasized Denmark's commitment to investing in Arctic security, noting the challenges of resisting undue pressure from a close ally and indicating that more difficulties may lie ahead.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte refrained from commenting on the dispute, stating that it is not his role to intervene in alliance discussions. He emphasized the importance of focusing on security in the Arctic region, which includes Greenland.

Tensions have escalated this month as the Trump administration continues to push the issue, considering various options, including military action, to acquire Greenland. Trump reiterated his stance that the US must "take Greenland," warning that otherwise, Russia or China might.

He expressed a preference for negotiating a deal for the territory, stating, "One way or another, we will have Greenland."

A bipartisan US congressional delegation is set to visit Copenhagen for meetings on Friday and Saturday to demonstrate unity between the United States and Denmark.