"The U.S. government does not control or direct the actions of private citizens," it said. The department said Stroh had "a productive conversation and reaffirmed the strong ties among the Government of Greenland, the United States, and Denmark." It said the U.S. values its relationships with both Denmark, a NATO ally, and Greenland and noted that Trump and his top aides had all said they respect "the right of the people of Greenland to determine their own future."