White House official says Trump still prefers buying Greenland

A White House official has reiterated that US President Donald Trump still considers acquiring Greenland as the best solution to address security concerns around the territory, according to a briefing ahead of this week’s NATO summit in Ankara, as reported by DR’s US correspondent Kim Bildsøe.

The official stated that, at present, purchasing Greenland remains the only viable solution identified, though other options would continue to be explored. NATO members reportedly agree that security considerations for Greenland are now “extremely important” and more pressing than when the US and Denmark signed a defence agreement in 1951.

“The question is how to address these challenges in a new world with increased naval activity up there, and Greenland’s importance for missile defence and other systems, in a way that is permanent,” the official added.

Talks involving Greenland, Denmark, and the US are ongoing, with all parties seeking a lasting resolution, the official said.

DR’s Bildsøe called the statement “remarkable,” noting the emphasis on purchasing Greenland as the preferred solution. He added that the White House’s framing—that the issue must be resolved to avoid burdening future presidents—implies urgency, with Trump’s term having little over two years remaining.

The Danish Foreign Ministry confirmed that a diplomatic process is underway to address US security concerns while respecting the Kingdom of Denmark’s red lines, but declined to provide further details at this stage.