President Donald Trump is eager to move swiftly on potential actions concerning Greenland, with a senior administration official suggesting that developments could occur within a matter of weeks or months. Thomas Dans, America’s Arctic commissioner, a key advocate for Trump’s interest in Greenland, emphasized the President’s determination to pursue his vision. While acknowledging that progress could be imminent, Dans noted that any potential acquisition process would be a complex and time-consuming endeavor.
“This is a journey with various stages,” Dans explained to USA TODAY. “There is a possibility for expedited progress, bypassing interim steps and moving directly to the ultimate goal. President Trump aims to advance this agenda rapidly.”
Dans stressed the importance of gaining the support of Greenland’s population. Despite polls indicating that most of Greenland’s 57,000 residents aspire for eventual independence from Denmark, the prospect of becoming a U.S. state is not widely favored. Both Denmark and Greenland have firmly stated that the island is not up for sale.
In response to the U.S. discussions about a potential takeover of Greenland, a senior official from the Greenland government expressed disbelief at the notion of the United States considering such a move against a NATO ally. Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland’s minister for business and mineral resources, urged the Trump administration to heed the concerns of the island’s inhabitants. She highlighted the anxiety and uncertainty prevalent among the people of Greenland, emphasizing the need for understanding and dialogue.
The upcoming meeting in Washington between the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland and top U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscores the seriousness of Trump’s interest in Greenland. While Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, confirmed the planned meeting in Washington, emphasizing the stance that Greenland is not for sale, Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reiterated their position that Greenland does not wish to be under U.S. ownership or control.