Greenland and Denmark are again at the centre of Arctic diplomacy after USA Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Greenland as part of Denmark “for now” during a hearing in the House of Representatives, while also saying that talks with Greenland and Denmark on defence cooperation are “in a good place.”
Rubio made the remark when he was asked whether he recognised that Greenland is part of Denmark. According to Reuters, his answer was brief: “For now.” He later expanded on the issue, saying that the USA is engaged in discussions with both Greenland and Denmark over the use of Greenland for collective defence and missile defence.
Rubio’s “for now” remark adds pressure to Greenland and Denmark talks
Rubio’s comment comes in a sensitive phase for relations between the USA, Denmark and Greenland. The American administration has repeatedly framed Greenland as strategically essential for USA and NATO security, particularly because of its position in the Arctic and its role in missile warning systems.
During the hearing, Rubio said Washington is involved in conversations with Greenland and Denmark “on the use of Greenland for collective defence for all of us,” adding that the island is “a key part of missile defence.” He also said the discussions are continuing and suggested that they are currently “in a good place.”
The wording, however, is politically significant. Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and its constitutional position is defined by Denmark’s Constitution and the Greenland Self-Government Act. The Danish Prime Minister’s Office states that the Self-Government Act forms the basis of Greenland’s position within the Unity of the Realm.
Greenland says its future will be decided by Greenlanders
Greenland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Múte B. Egede (IA), responded by saying that Rubio’s comments do not change Greenland’s position.
“Greenland’s future is decided by us in Greenland. That is how it has been, that is how it is, and that is how it will also be in the future,” Egede wrote, according to DR.
He added that Greenland will continue to take part in talks with the USA and Denmark, including on security and defence, “constructively and with respect for all parties.”
The response reflects a consistent Greenlandic line: cooperation with Washington may continue, but sovereignty and future constitutional choices remain a matter for Greenlanders. That position has become more central since President Donald Trump revived his interest in gaining control over Greenland, a proposal rejected by Greenlandic and Danish leaders.
The Arctic defence issue behind the diplomatic dispute
Greenland already hosts the USA-run Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, in northwestern Greenland. The base is one of Washington’s most important Arctic military installations and plays a role in missile warning, missile defence and space surveillance. It operates under a 1951 defence agreement between Denmark and the USA.
This is why the current talks are not only symbolic. Rubio said he agrees with Trump that the current number of USA forces in Greenland is insufficient. He also argued that it would be easier to defend a territory if one owned it, according to Reuters.
For Denmark and Greenland, that formulation risks blurring the line between defence cooperation and territorial ambition. The USA already has military access in Greenland, but Greenlandic leaders have repeatedly stressed that such access cannot override the principle of self-determination.
