WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Wednesday that talks with Denmark and Greenland over using the island for collective defense are progressing and that he believes they are "in a good place." Rubio made the remarks during questioning at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing.
Representative Sarah McBride of Delaware questioned Rubio about Greenland’s constitutional status, asking: "I assume you’re aware that Greenland is indeed part of Denmark?" Rubio replied, "For now."
Rubio referenced earlier comments by President Donald Trump that the United States must acquire or control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. Those assertions had previously generated tensions between Washington and Copenhagen - both founding members of NATO - and more widely across Europe. Rubio said that the dispute has since shifted to a diplomatic track.
When McBride pressed on whether the United States needs to own land within NATO to defend it, Rubio said: "We are actually involved in conversations with Greenland and Denmark on the use of Greenland for collective defense for all of us. It’s a key part of missile defense, but we’re involved in those talks right now. I think we’re in a good place on it now."
Rubio added that consultations with Denmark and Greenland are continuing on a monthly basis. "I think we’ll have pretty good news on it at some point," he said.
He also expressed agreement with President Trump’s assessment that existing basing agreements for U.S. forces in Greenland were not adequate, and that it would be easier to defend territory if the United States owned it outright.
Context and current posture
The secretary’s testimony emphasized that formal discussions are underway with both Danish authorities and Greenland’s leadership, with an emphasis on the island’s role in missile defense. Rubio framed the matter as a collective defense issue involving NATO partners and described the negotiations as ongoing and monthly.
What remains unclear
The hearing record reflects that talks are active but does not provide specifics on timelines, legal arrangements, or detailed terms. Rubio indicated optimism about an eventual announcement but did not outline concrete next steps or outcomes.
Implications
The statements underscore continued diplomatic engagement on Greenland’s strategic role, while leaving substantive questions about any future basing or sovereignty arrangements unresolved for now.