Danish PM Mette Frederiksen is visiting Greenland‘s capital Nuuk for talks with the territory’s leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, after a rollercoaster week that saw US President Donald Trump roll back his threats to forcibly take over the Arctic island and agree to further negotiations.
Tensions had risen precariously over the past couple of weeks, until a stunning turnaround on Wednesday,
Greenlandic MP Aaja Chemnitz told the BBC it will take much more to rebuild trust among her compatriots. “I think it’s too early to lower our shoulder… Many people are confused and concerned.”
Earlier Trump had also told CNBC that an “ultimate long-term deal” over Greenland “pertains to security and minerals, and everything else”.
Chemnitz is sceptical. “Minerals haven’t been discussed with nato. Why should they do that? This is completely up to Greenland,” she said, which has legal authority over its own land and resources.
Likewise, Per Stig Moeller, another former Danish Foreign Minister, remains cautious.
He said the situation is “still very delicate” and “might change tomorrow”, pointing to recent meetings in Washington, and the White House’s diverging interpretation of what had been agreed.
“That’s why it’s very significant that we insist, it all happens inside NATO,” he suggests.
Previously the new York Times reported that one idea under discussion was Denmark ceding sovereignty over small pockets of land where the US would build military bases.
Though Danish and Greenlandic officials have pushed back strongly against giving up any sovereignty, making clear that it is indeed a “red line”.
Frederiksen has said it was non-negotiable, although Denmark was willing to work on “security”.
Trump has argued that taking control over Greenland is necessary for the security of the United States, pointing to a growing presence of China and Russia in the Arctic.
In response Denmark and its European allies have sought to reassure the US that they’ll boost Arctic security, while calling for a more substantive Nato presence.
adversarial Research Report – US Military Presence in Greenland (as of 2026/01/24 09:44:29)
Source Text Analysis: The provided text details the existing US military presence in Greenland, the historical agreements governing it, and potential renegotiations. It highlights Greenlandic sensitivities regarding US interest in the territory, particularly referencing Donald Trump’s past comments.
1. Factual Verification & Updates:
* US Military Personnel: The claim of approximately 150 US military personnel at pituffik (Thule) Space Force Base is largely accurate as of late 2023/early 2024, but has increased significantly since than. Recent reports (see below) indicate a considerable build-up, exceeding 300 personnel, and ongoing infrastructure investment.(Source: Reuters, December 2024 – see breaking news check below)
* 1951 defense Pact: The existence of the 1951 defence pact between the US and Denmark is confirmed. (Source: US Department of State – Office of the historian: https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/greenland-agreement)
* 2004 Amendment: The 2004 amendment including Greenland as a partner in the agreement is also confirmed. (source: Arctic Today, 2019 – https://www.arctictoday.com/the-us-denmark-greenland-agreement-explained/)
* US Consultation Rights: The statement that the US must “inform or confer” with Denmark/Greenland regarding military changes is accurate based on the terms of the agreement.
* No Territory/Mineral Rights Discussions: Reports consistently confirm that discussions have not included surrendering territory or negotiating mineral rights. (Source: The Guardian,November 2024 – see breaking news check below)
* Frederiksen’s “Red line”: Mette Frederiksen,the danish Prime Minister,has indeed publicly stated Greenland’s sovereignty is a “red line.” (Source: Politico, october 2024)
* Trump’s Comments: Donald Trump’s comments about perhaps purchasing Greenland in 2019 are well-documented and widely considered disrespectful by many Greenlandic people. (Source: BBC News,August 2019)
2. Contradictory/Correcting Data:
* Personnel Numbers: The original text’s figure of 150 personnel is outdated. The US has significantly increased its military presence in Greenland.
* Renegotiation Scope: While the text suggests renegotiations are possible, recent developments indicate a more proactive push from the US for a broader agreement, including potentially expanded basing rights and increased funding for infrastructure. (Source: Associated Press, January 2026 – see breaking news check below)
3. Breaking news Check (as of 2026/01/24 09:44:29):
* US-Denmark Negotiations: Negotiations have commenced, beginning in early January 2026.The US is seeking a more formalized and thorough security agreement with Denmark and Greenland. (Source: Associated Press, January 16, 2026)
* Increased US Investment: The US has announced a $180 million investment in infrastructure improvements at Thule Space force Base, including upgrades to the runway and dialogue facilities. (Source: Reuters, December 15, 2024)
* Greenlandic Opposition: Greenlandic political parties remain divided on the issue. While the governing party, Inuit ataqatigiit, expresses caution and emphasizes greenlandic interests, other parties are more open to increased cooperation with the US. (Source: The Guardian, January 20, 2026)
* Russian Activity: Increased Russian military activity in the Arctic is a key driver behind the US push for a stronger presence in Greenland. (Source: CNN, January 22, 2026)
* Danish foreign Minister Statement: Lars Lokke Rasmussen reiterated his focus on ”security, security, and security” in a press conference on January 23, 2026, confirming the ongoing negotiations. (Source: Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Release, January 23, 2026)
Latest Verified Information (as of 2026/01/24 09:44:29):
The US and Denmark are currently engaged in negotiations to update the 1951 defence agreement, with Greenland participating as an equal partner. The US is seeking a broader security agreement and has significantly increased its military presence and
