Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued a firm rebuke to renewed comments from US President Donald Trump suggesting that Greenland could one day be taken over by the United States, stressing that Washington has “no right to annex” the Arctic island and urging an end to what she called alarming rhetoric.
The remarks come in the wake of Trump’s recent military strikes in Venezuela, where the US targeted ousted leader Nicolas Maduro and key government figures, citing strategic and security concerns. The move has brought Greenland back into the spotlight, as Trump has publicly linked the Arctic territory to US defence priorities, raising concerns in Copenhagen and Nuuk about potential American ambitions. The exchange has reignited diplomatic tensions between Denmark and Washington over Greenland’s future, which remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark despite enjoying broad autonomy.
Speaking publicly, Frederiksen said it “makes absolutely no sense” to argue that the United States needs to take over Greenland, noting that such a suggestion has no legal basis under international law.
European countries side with Greenland
European countries have largely sided with Denmark and Greenland’s sovereignty amid the diplomatic row with the United States over repeated comments by Trump suggesting Washington “needs” Greenland for strategic purposes. France formally reiterated its support for Denmark’s territorial integrity, saying Greenland belongs to its people and Denmark and that changes to its status must respect international law. Belgium, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Portugal also voiced solidarity with Copenhagen and Nuuk, emphasising that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental international law principles, according to Anadolu Agency.
‘Our future is not determined by social media posts’
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the country’s future is “not determined by social media posts” after Katie Miller, wife of US President Donald Trump’s aide, shared an image of Greenland coloured with stripes from US’ national flag. Nielson called the image “disrespectful,” but said, “It doesn’t change anything about our independence.”
Denmark’s ambassador to the US, Jesper Møller Sørensen, responded publicly to Miller’s post, saying Denmark expects “full respect for the territorial integrity” of its kingdom. “We are close allies and should continue to work together as such,” he said.
Days earlier, in her New Year’s address, Frederiksen referenced the escalating rhetoric from Washington. “Threats. Pressure. Derogatory language. From our closest ally for a lifetime,” she said. “We are not the ones seeking conflict. But let no one be in any doubt: No matter what happens, we will stand firm on what is right and wrong.”
Why is US so interested in Greenland?
The comments followed a new wave of attention on Greenland after Trump, in a recent interview, reiterated that the US “needs Greenland” for defence reasons and indicated frustration with Denmark’s ability to protect the island. Although Trump did not lay out a specific plan for annexation, his remarks revived memories of earlier discussions, including during his first presidency, in which he expressed interest in acquiring Greenland because of its strategic location and natural resources.