Key facts
- Marco Rubio stated Greenland remains part of Denmark "for now."
- Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to control Greenland for defense purposes.
- Trump has also referred to Canada as the "51st State."
- The U.S. has military access to Greenland under a 1951 defense agreement.
- Danish and Greenlandic leaders have consistently stated Greenland is not for sale.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated during a House hearing that Greenland remains part of Denmark "for now," acknowledging President Trump's repeated suggestions of taking over the allied island. Rubio's comments followed Trump's renewed remarks referring to Canada as the "51st State." These statements highlight the Trump administration's assertive global posture, which has caused friction with allies. During the hearing, Rubio was questioned about Trump's assertion that the U.S. needs to control Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, for proper defense. Rubio explained that Trump believes "it's a lot easier to defend it when you have control and complete control of it." He added that the U.S. is engaged in "diplomatic high-level technical talks" with Greenland and Denmark regarding the use of the strategically located, resource-rich territory for collective defense, expressing optimism about the trajectory of these discussions. Danish and Greenlandic leaders have consistently stated that Greenland is not for sale. The U.S. already has military access to the island under a 1951 defense agreement with Denmark. Trump has, however, repeatedly claimed the U.S. needs Greenland. Discussions about a Greenland framework between Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in January had temporarily reduced talk of U.S. annexation. Trump's desire to annex territory has resurfaced multiple times during his presidency. Separately, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra shared Trump's Truth Social post calling Canada the 51st state. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reportedly dismissed the repost, and like Greenland's leadership, has maintained that Canada is not for sale, despite ongoing trade tensions and Trump's annexation remarks. Carney has expressed a desire for stronger U.S. ties.