U.S. May Move Soon on Greenland Takeover, Arctic Commissioner Signals Rapid Plan

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump could begin action on his controversial plan to take control of Greenland in the coming weeks, according to Thomas Dances, Trump’s Arctic Commissioner. Dances’ remarks come ahead of U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s meetings with senior officials from Denmark and Greenland, signaling heightened tensions over the Arctic territory.

In an interview with USA Today, Dances described the plan as “a multi-stop train route,” noting that it could move “directly to the main station at high speed, bypassing local stops.” He said that President Trump is eager to advance the Greenland initiative swiftly, with Dances considered one of the president’s primary supporters on this issue since 2020.

Rapid Negotiations Expected, But Support Needed

Dances suggested that while negotiations or deals could progress quickly, completing the acquisition would take time. He stressed that Greenland’s roughly 57,000 residents would need to be brought on board. Surveys referenced by Dances reportedly indicate that a majority of Greenlanders want independence from Denmark. However, Greenland’s Prime Minister recently stated that the population would choose Denmark if asked today.

Timing and Strategic Context

Dances’ comments coincided with Vice President Vance’s scheduled meetings on 14 January in Washington with senior officials from Denmark and Greenland. Dances added that while the transactional aspects of the plan could move quickly, winning the trust and support of Greenland’s people would require time and effort from the United States.

Russia’s Interest in Greenland

Adding to the strategic complexity, a senior Kremlin official suggested that Greenlanders could be allowed to vote on joining Russia. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that if Trump delays, Greenland’s population might consider voting for integration with Russia.

The statements highlight the intensifying geopolitical contest over Greenland, with both the U.S. and Russia positioning themselves to influence the Arctic territory amid global strategic competition.