Trump set on ‘conquering’ Greenland as Europe readies troops | US | News
(FILES) US President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. One year into his second term, US President Donald Trump is shattering the post-World War II order as never before, leaving a world that may be unrecognizable once he is through. Far from slowing down, Trump has rung in the new year with a slew of aggressive actions that brazenly defy the decades-old order that was championed by the United States. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Denmark’s foreign minister has asserted that Donald Trump remains intent on ‘conquering’ Greenland, following a high-level meeting with his Greenlandic counterpart and the Trump administration that failed to resolve US demands for territorial ownership.
The summit was attended by Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Lรธkke Rasmussen, Greenland’s foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt, and key US officials including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, The Mirror reports.
Tensions over the sovereignty of the territory, which Washington insists is crucial for national security, are escalating as European allies prepare to join a joint military mission to Greenland in a show of solidarity with Denmark.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen conceded that further efforts were required to ‘find a common way forward’, adding that more discussions on the matter would take place in the forthcoming weeks. This follows unsuccessful attempts in yesterday’s negotiations to convince the Trump administration to back down.
Trump is attempting to justify taking control of the island due to its strategic location, abundant mineral resources, and increasing Russian and Chinese military activity in the region.
Read more: Britain sends just one officer to Greenland as Trump pushes for control
Read more: Trump’s chilling choice for Greenland is US vs. Russia-China
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – DECEMBER 15: Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen attends the meeting of the foreign ministers of European Union (EU) member states held in Brussels, Belgium on December 15, 2025. (Photo by Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Trump’s threats of a potential US invasion of Greenland have sparked concern among European nations this week, particularly in light of its recent attack on Venezuela.
Following an hour-long discussion, Mr Rasmussen told journalists that it’s ‘clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland. And we made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the kingdom,” as reported by MailOnline.
The UK and US have initiated the evacuation of crucial personnel from key Middle East bases in anticipation of potential strikes in a looming conflict with Iran.
Air raid sirens were tested at the primary al-Udeid base in Qatar, utilised by British and American forces, and essential staff were relocated to “hard protection sites”.
This move comes amidst fears of retaliation following President Donald Trump’s veiled warning to respond “very strongly” if Tehran executes protesters who took to the streets.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt speak during a news conference at the Danish Embassy in Washington, DC, on January 14, 2026. Denmark and Greenland’s top diplomats held high-stakes talks at the White House on Wednesday, with President Donald Trump warning it was “vital” for the United States to take control of the Arctic island. (Photo by Oliver Contreras / AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The UK has sent a military officer to Greenland as Denmark steps up its military presence in the Arctic and High North, amid repeated calls by Trump for the US to assume control of the territory.
Downing Street confirmed one UK military officer had been deployed at Denmarkโs request to join a reconnaissance group ahead of a planned Arctic Endurance exercise.
On Wednesday evening, the UK withdrew its diplomats from Iran. The decision was reportedly made after evaluating the security situation.
A Government spokesperson stated: “We have temporarily closed the British Embassy in Tehran, this will now operate remotely.
Foreign Office travel advice has now been updated to reflect this consular change. “.
The Mirror reached out to The White House for comment.
