Denmark Opens Talks on U.S. Role in Greenland as PM Visits Island

Overview

• Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen traveled to Nuuk to show support for residents, calling the situation serious and preparing next steps.
• Danish officials say quiet negotiations with the United States have begun, with discussion of involving NATO and revisiting the 1951 defense agreement that underpins the U.S. presence.
• President Trump had pressed to take control of Greenland earlier in January, then said in Davos he outlined a framework with NATO’s Mark Rutte for the island’s future.
• The White House named Jeff Landry special envoy to Greenland, startling diplomats after he posted that he would help make the island part of the United States.
• Comments from aides, including Stephen Miller declining to rule out force, rattled allies and lawmakers, though reporting indicates military action was not seriously pursued.