Rubio: White House has not given up on Greenland

Despite ongoing conflicts and regional tensions, the Trump administration has not abandoned its ambition to acquire Greenland. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed ongoing discussions with Greenland and Denmark concerning the island's use for collective defense.

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We are still members of NATO, but NATO needs to undergo significant changes.

Rubio's remarks were made during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, addressing President Donald Trump's earlier controversial statements about the U.S. potentially controlling Greenland. These statements had previously sparked strong protests in Denmark and strained transatlantic relations.

While the issue had somewhat receded from public view due to the Iran war, it resurfaced at NATO meetings. The opening of a new U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, in May further intensified tensions, leading to angry demonstrations. During the hearing, Rubio was pressed by Democratic Representative Sarah McBride about Trump's assertion at the World Economic Forum that U.S. ownership was a prerequisite for defending Greenland. McBride argued this stance conflicted with NATO's mutual defense principle, Article 5.

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It is a key part of missile defense, these talks are ongoing right now.

Rubio avoided directly agreeing with Trump on U.S. ownership but acknowledged that defending a territory with "full control" is easier. He hinted at "good news" soon regarding negotiations, stating, "It is a key part of missile defense, these talks are ongoing right now." He also noted that while the U.S. remains a NATO member, the alliance requires significant changes. Trump has long argued that the U.S. "needs" Greenland's natural resources to protect the Arctic and itself from Russia and China. Although the president had previously not ruled out military action, U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Ken Howery stated at the consulate's inauguration that force was no longer "on the table."

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We are actually having conversations with Greenland and Denmark regarding the use of Greenland for all of our collective defense.