ISTANBUL
US Vice President JD Vance urged European countries on Thursday to take Greenland's security "more seriously," warning that America will intervene if they fail to act.
"What we're asking our European friends to do is to take the security of that land mass more seriously, because if they're not, the United States is going to have to do something about it," Vance told reporters.
The vice president declined to specify what action Washington might take, saying he would leave that decision to US President Donald Trump as diplomatic engagement continues with European partners.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday he will meet Danish officials next week after Copenhagen requested talks. Denmark's Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen called the meeting "really good news."
Vance emphasized the territory's strategic importance, noting Greenland is crucial not just for American missile defense but for global security. He warned that "hostile adversaries" have shown significant interest in the region.
"My advice to European leaders and anybody else would be to take the President of the United States seriously," Vance said.
US president insists on owning Greenland rather than lease, treaty arrangement
Trump insisted that the US must own Greenland outright rather than pursue alternative arrangements such as leases or treaties.
"Ownership is very important," Trump told The New York Times. "Because that's what I feel is psychologically needed for success."
He explained that possessing the Arctic territory provides advantages unavailable through signed documents, stating ownership delivers elements impossible to obtain from leases or treaty agreements.
Asked whether acquiring Greenland or preserving NATO held higher priority, Trump avoided answering but acknowledged the situation "may be a choice."
He said Wednesday that the transatlantic alliance essentially lacks value without American participation, claiming Russia and China only fear the alliance because of his leadership.
Trump has renewed efforts to acquire Greenland from Denmark, citing the need to counter Russia and China in the Arctic.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed all options remain on the table, while Rubio told lawmakers Trump aims to purchase the territory and is not planning an imminent military invasion.
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has urged Trump to "stop the threats."
Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has repeatedly rejected proposals suggesting a sovereignty transfer to the US.
