Greenlanders urge diplomacy ahead of talks with U.S. over Trump takeover threats

Greenlanders voiced support for diplomacy ahead of high-level talks in Washington on Wednesday, following renewed threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to take control of the Arctic territory.

Residents and politicians in Greenland said they hoped for a diplomatic solution between Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers and U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 14 January.

The talks come after President Donald Trump stepped up rhetoric about taking over the island, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Pensioner Charlotte Heilmann said she could not understand why Trump continued to raise the idea of taking control of Greenland.

“He is unfair to us,” she said, adding that Greenlanders value their way of life and freedom, and do not wish to live under U.S. rule.

Heilmann also said Greenland’s status as part of the Danish Kingdom and NATO made Trump’s comments difficult to comprehend, calling them “childish”.

Greenlandic politicians also welcomed the talks, saying dialogue was long overdue.

Juno Berthelsen, a member of parliament from the Naleraq party - the largest opposition group and a leading voice for Greenland’s independence - said diplomatic engagement was essential to addressing tensions involving Greenland, Denmark and the United States.

Others echoed calls for a peaceful approach. Tour guide Casper Frank Moller said Greenlanders were committed to diplomacy, democracy and justice, and hoped talks would lead to a “middle way” that avoided confrontation.

Trump has argued that Greenland is vital to U.S. security and has said Washington must control the strategically located and mineral-rich territory to prevent Russia or China from gaining influence.

White House officials have previously discussed a range of options to bring Greenland under U.S. control, including potential military involvement and financial incentives aimed at encouraging Greenlanders to break away from Denmark.

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Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt requested the meeting with U.S. officials following Trump’s remarks, as concerns grew over Washington’s intentions toward the territory.

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