Vice President JD Vance sought to downplay the idea that Washington could use force to seize Greenland on Thursday, but warned that if Europe “does not take the security of that territory seriously,” the United States “will have to take action.” "There are hostile adversaries very interested in that region. That is why we are asking our European friends to take the security of Greenland more seriously; if they do not, the US will have to act," Vance said during a press conference at the White House. Vance stressed that the island, a Danish autonomous territory, is strategic not only for the United States, but “for the missile defense of the entire world.” I have urged Europe to set aside “overreactions” and prioritize dialogue. Vance did not offer details on possible measures. “I'll leave that to President Donald Trump, as we continue diplomatic negotiations with our European allies and other countries,” he said. Trump insists on Greenland. Since assuming the presidency for the second time, Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of controlling Greenland. The issue resurfaced following the capture of Nicolas Maduro in Caracas and Washington's warning to use force to protect its national security. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and representatives Karoline Leavitt did not rule out this week the option of sending US troops to annex the island. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that he will meet with Danish diplomats next week to discuss the situation in Greenland, without specifying the format or location of the meeting.

European and Danish Reactions

Greenland has made it clear that it is not for sale and wishes to decide its own future. European leaders expressed concern and outrage at the US statements. France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom backed Denmark. Austrian Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler,He urged the European Union to prepare measures to deter any US attempt, including economic sanctions and “punitive” tariffs on US products.

Strategic Defense in Greenland

The United States maintains an air base on the island's northwest coast.A defense agreement signed in 1951 and updated in 2004 allows for US military deployment with prior notice to Danish authorities. Denmark reinforced its military presence on the island, allocating $1.398 billion in 2025 for security, including five new Arctic vessels, radars, drones, and maritime patrol aircraft. Trump criticized these expenditures, noting that Denmark only acquired an additional “dog sled.”

Strategic Importance

Greenland, 81% covered by ice, is key due to its location in the Arctic and its role in global missile defense. The United States and Denmark have maintained military cooperation for decades, while diplomatic tensions grow between the United States and Europe over the future of the island.