Overview
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on the record that conversations with Denmark and Greenland regarding the island's potential role in collective defense are progressing well. Speaking at a House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Rubio described the discussions as being "in a good place."
Hearing exchange
At the hearing, Representative Sarah McBride of Delaware asked Rubio whether Greenland is part of Denmark. Rubio's succinct reply was: "For now." The exchange underscored the fluid diplomatic discussions underway involving the United States, Denmark and Greenland.
Purpose of talks
Rubio said the discussions center on Greenland's involvement in missile defense and related collective security arrangements. He noted that U.S. officials are meeting with counterparts in Denmark and Greenland on a monthly basis to work through those issues. Reflecting a cautiously optimistic view, Rubio added, "I think we'll have pretty good news on it at some point."
Context and diplomatic tensions
The subject has roots in earlier public comments by President Donald Trump about the need for the United States to acquire or exert control over Greenland, remarks that provoked tensions between Washington and Copenhagen. Rubio indicated he shares the concern that existing basing agreements on Greenland are not adequate for current defense needs, and he suggested that ownership of territory would simplify defense arrangements.
Political status
Greenland is identified as a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. Both Denmark and the United States are founding members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a fact Rubio mentioned in the context of the diplomatic conversations.
This article presents the recorded statements and positions made during the committee hearing and reflects the status of discussions as described by the Secretary of State at that time.