Greenland's Prime Minister has firmly rejected US territorial ambitions over the Arctic territory, choosing to strengthen ties with Denmark as high-level diplomatic talks approach in Washington. The renewed geopolitical tensions have prompted residents and leaders to reassess their independence timeline while maintaining unity against potential US intervention.

Leadership Stands United with Denmark

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen delivered a clear message regarding the territory's allegiance during a joint appearance with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen on Tuesday. "We face a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the U.S. and Denmark here and now, then we choose Denmark," Nielsen stated. "We stand united in the Kingdom of Denmark."

The statement comes as Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen prepare for crucial talks with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday.

Residents Rally Behind Danish Partnership

Public sentiment in Nuuk, Greenland's snow-covered capital, strongly favors maintaining the current relationship with Denmark. Local residents have expressed concerns about potential US intervention and voiced support for pausing independence discussions during these uncertain times.

The US interest has paradoxically strengthened Greenlandic unity, with residents noting how external pressure has brought the community closer together against potential annexation.

Strategic Importance and US Ambitions

The Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized Greenland's strategic value to US national security interests. White House officials have been exploring various approaches to bring the autonomous Danish territory under US control, including:

• Potential military intervention options
• Lump-sum payment proposals to Greenlanders
• Diplomatic pressure for secession from Denmark

Cabinet minister Naaja Nathanielsen, responsible for business, energy, and minerals, emphasized the emotional connection Greenlanders have to their homeland. "For others, this might be a piece of land, but for us, it's home," she stated from London, adding that Greenlanders remain content as part of Denmark while viewing themselves as US allies rather than potential Americans.

Diplomatic Path Forward

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen requested the Washington meeting in direct response to Trump's territorial claims, emphasizing diplomatic resolution over confrontation. "We aim to move the discussion into a meeting room where we can look each other in the eye," Rasmussen explained.

The diplomatic challenges extend beyond immediate territorial concerns, with Denmark facing pressure to strengthen Arctic defenses amid growing geopolitical tensions. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen plans to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels next week, with multinational NATO exercises scheduled for Greenland by 2026.

Challenges Ahead

Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen acknowledged the complexity of managing relations with their most important ally while protecting territorial integrity. "It is hard to stand up to the US, our most important ally," she admitted on Tuesday, adding ominously, "But the hardest part may still be ahead of us."

Greenland's political landscape shows signs of shifting focus from immediate independence toward long-term strategic planning, with leaders prioritizing unity and stability over rapid autonomy changes. The autonomous territory has been gradually moving toward greater self-governance since 1979, but current geopolitical pressures have prompted a more cautious approach to future political developments.

US officials have discussed sending direct payments to Greenland residents as part of a strategy to encourage the Arctic territory's separation from Denmark, according to four sources familiar with internal discussions. The proposal involves lump-sum payments ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per person for Greenland's approximately 57,000 residents.

Payment Structure and Scale

The financial proposal under consideration shows significant variation in potential costs and implementation approaches:

According to sources who requested anonymity due to the internal nature of the talks, White House aides have intensified discussions around these lump-sum payments in recent days. However, many aspects remain unclear, including payment structure and what Greenlanders would be expected to agree to in return.

Strategic Framework Options

US officials are exploring multiple approaches to acquire Greenland, with the payment system potentially supporting broader strategic frameworks. One option under discussion involves a Compact of Free Association (COFA), similar to existing arrangements with Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau. Under such agreements, the US typically provides essential services and defense while gaining military access and duty-free trade benefits.

The COFA framework would require Greenland to first achieve independence from Denmark, as these agreements are signed with sovereign nations. Payments could theoretically encourage Greenlanders to vote for independence or support a COFA arrangement following such a vote.

International Pushback

European leaders have responded sharply to US acquisition discussions, particularly given Denmark's NATO alliance status. Seven European nations issued a coordinated response:

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen posted strong opposition on social media, stating: "Enough is enough … No more fantasies about annexation." The pushback highlights potential diplomatic complications from the transactional approach.

National Security Justification

Trump has repeatedly emphasized national security rationale for acquiring Greenland, citing the territory's strategic location and mineral resources critical for military applications. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he stated: "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark isn't going to be able to do it. It's so strategic."

White House officials have indicated that while military intervention remains possible, Washington prefers diplomatic or financial routes. The administration argues that maintaining geopolitical influence across the Western Hemisphere requires control of strategically positioned territories.

Public Opinion Challenges

Surveys indicate complex public sentiment in Greenland regarding independence and potential US association. While polls show strong support for eventual independence from Denmark, economic concerns have prevented lawmakers from calling a referendum. Most significantly, although many Greenlanders are open to breaking away from Denmark, surveys suggest most do not want to become part of the United States.

The White House has confirmed that Trump's national security team is examining what a potential purchase might look like, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio scheduled to meet Denmark's foreign minister in Washington to discuss Greenland-related matters.