Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has urged United States President, Donald Trump, to “stop the threats” regarding a potential takeover of Greenland.
Speaking directly to the United States, Frederiksen said, “It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the need for the United States to take over Greenland,” adding, “The US has no right to annex any of the three nations in the Danish kingdom.”
Her comments follow a provocative tweet from Katie Miller, the wife of Trump aide Stephen Miller, which showed a map of Greenland in American flag colors with the caption “SOON.”
Trump has repeatedly suggested that Greenland could be annexed by the US, citing the island’s strategic position and mineral resources, and he doubled down on the idea following Frederiksen’s remarks.
In an official statement on the Danish government website, Frederiksen stressed that Denmark and therefore Greenland, is a NATO member protected under the alliance’s security guarantee.
She noted that Denmark already maintains a defence agreement with the US, giving it access to Greenland, and highlighted Denmark’s increased investment in Arctic security.
“I would therefore strongly urge the United States to stop the threats against a historically close ally and against another country and another people who have very clearly said that they are not for sale,” she said.
Hours later, aboard Air Force One, Trump reiterated his stance, “We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it.”
Earlier, Denmark’s ambassador to the US addressed Miller’s post with a “friendly reminder” that the two nations are allies, emphasizing Denmark’s expectation of respect for its territorial integrity.
The tensions arise shortly after a major US military operation in Venezuela, which saw President Nicolas Maduro and his wife captured and taken to New York.
Trump later stated that the US would “run” Venezuela and that American oil companies would “start making money for the country.”
Trump has previously left open the possibility of using force to acquire Greenland, noting its strategic importance and rich mineral deposits vital for high-tech industries.
His administration’s recent decision to appoint a special envoy to Greenland drew ire in Denmark.
Home to about 57,000 people, Greenland has enjoyed extensive self-government since 1979, although Denmark continues to control defence and foreign policy.
While many Greenlanders support eventual independence, opinion polls show overwhelming opposition to joining the United States.
