The Greenland summit in Washington produced no decision on the Arctic island’s immediate future. That’s why Danes and Greenlanders still speak of a successful mission.
Jan 16, 2026, 5:24 p.mJan 16, 2026, 5:24 p.m
Niels Anner / ch media
The Scandinavians consider their meeting with the US government in Washington on Wednesday a great success. They have bought themselves time in the war of nerves over Greenland’s future – and now see a possible way out of the conflict over the Arctic island.
Only a conditional welcome: The “Stars and Stripes” hang in front of the US Consulate in Nuuk.Image: keystone
Whether Donald Trump will now tone down his declarations of war somewhat remains to be seen. The four most important findings of the “Greenland Summit” are:
- There was in Washington no Zelensky moment, no humiliation or new threats and no offer to buy Greenland. At the meeting of the Danish, Greenlandic and American foreign ministers and US Vice President JD Vance, the northerners got the best out of it. Fundamental differences remain: The US President wants to continue to own the strategically important island – which the Danish kingdom completely rejects. And what the working group that is now being formed to explore a compromise and perhaps a comprehensive cooperation agreement ultimately achieves remains to be seen. But Greenland and Denmark now have a direct line in Trump’s government. His outbursts on social media may be easier to contain there. And the US President initially even sounded a little milder, even if he still considers Denmark to be incapable of defending the Arctic island against Russia and China: “Somehow a solution will be found,” he told journalists.
- As for security As far as the Arctic is concerned, Denmark has made a smart move – late, but at an important time – by deploying its own and European troops. The Europeans are now showing concretely that they are taking Trump seriously and want to contribute more. Denmark has made it clear that, contrary to Trump’s claims, China and Russia do not pose an acute threat to Greenland. However, since this may change in the future, Copenhagen and Nuuk want to continue to rely on close cooperation with the USA.
- The Greenlanders clearly want to remain in the Kingdom of Denmark at the moment. The Trump administration miscalculated on this point. Vance in particular had stated several times that Denmark was treating the Greenlandic population badly. This is – like so much of the Trump camp’s argument – simplified. The centuries-long colonial history, especially in the 20th century, was painful for Greenland, and many people still have an aversion to Denmark today. But that is not the same as wanting immediate independence. Because such a thing simply cannot be financed. Denmark today does a lot for Greenlandic society, offering a comprehensive welfare state that gives everyone free access to healthcare and higher education. The Danish foreign minister dryly explained on Fox News why, according to a survey, only 6 percent of Greenlanders want to join the USA: “The USA doesn’t pay for a Nordic welfare system.” But it’s not just about the money; Denmark and Greenland have grown together. 17,000 Greenlanders live in Denmark, almost a third as many as live on the island. Conversely, Danes and mixed families make up an important part of Greenlandic society. With their Inuit culture, but also their Greenlandic-Scandinavian history, they are a proud people who neither appreciate Trump’s aggressive, colonialist behavior nor desperately want to leave Denmark.
- The resistance opposition to Trump’s ambitions is growing, including in the USA. A new poll shows: 75 percent of Americans oppose annexation of Greenland. His opponents in the US Congress are becoming louder, especially those against a military advance. Trump’s threats sound a little hollower. If he wants to increase the pressure, he must now threaten NATO, perhaps also with withdrawing support for Ukraine. For Greenland and Denmark, the voices of reason in the US Congress are extremely important. They also make the argument public that the USA already has a lot of leeway in Greenland, both militarily and with regard to raw materials. They just have to work together with their long-term partner – instead of sawing away at the foundations of NATO and the West. (aargauerzeitung.ch)