President Donald Trump made waves Wednesday after bluntly stating that NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is “more important” than Denmark’s foreign minister when it comes to any serious discussion about Greenland. Subtle diplomacy has never really been Trump’s brand—and that’s exactly why supporters appreciate the clarity.
Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed reports claiming Danish leaders were refusing to engage with the United States over the potential acquisition of Greenland. According to the president, no one in Denmark has said that to him directly—and he made it clear he doesn’t do policy by rumor.
“They didn’t tell me that,” Trump said, adding that if Denmark has something to say, they can say it to him directly. A refreshingly straightforward standard in a world full of anonymous briefings and quiet backtracking.
When asked when talks over Greenland might actually happen, Trump admitted he didn’t have a timeline. But he was very clear about who would be at the center of any real conversation. Pointing to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump said he’d be discussing the issue with him—and added that Rutte is “frankly more important.”
That comment raised eyebrows in Copenhagen, but it made perfect sense to anyone familiar with Trump’s long-standing working relationship with Rutte. The two go back to Trump’s first term, when Rutte consistently backed the president’s push for NATO allies to finally start paying their fair share for defense. Imagine that—accountability in an alliance.
Trump has repeatedly praised Rutte as a strong leader who understands U.S. priorities, particularly when it comes to defense spending and standing firm against Russia. The two have appeared together frequently at NATO summits, reinforcing a partnership built on shared strategic goals rather than polite excuses.
Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, responded by saying Trump’s remarks showed the issue of Greenland is far from settled. While acknowledging Trump’s statement that military force would not be used—a point Rasmussen described as “positive”—he made clear that Denmark remains opposed to the idea.
Rasmussen argued that Trump’s comments show the president still believes it’s better to own than to rent and suggested Denmark cannot adequately look after Greenland. It was a revealing response, if nothing else.
Trump has periodically revived the idea of acquiring Greenland due to its strategic importance in the Arctic, a region increasingly central to global security. Danish officials have repeatedly rejected the proposal, insisting the territory is not for sale. Trump, meanwhile, continues to approach the issue from a national interest perspective—because that’s literally his job.
At the end of the day, the president’s comments reinforced a familiar theme: America will speak with leaders who get things done and take security seriously. Whether or not Greenland discussions move forward, Trump has once again put U.S. interests front and center—and that kind of leadership keeps America strong, respected, and firmly in control of its future.
