Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Sunday urged US President Donald Trump to stop making threats about taking over Greenland, after he again asserted Washington’s need to control the Arctic island. Her remarks followed Trump’s comments in an interview with The Atlantic, where he reiterated his long-standing interest in the territory.
Frederiksen said it made no sense to suggest that the United States needed to annex Greenland. She stressed that the US had no right to take over any part of the Danish Kingdom, which comprises Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. Moreover, she underlined that Greenland’s people had clearly stated that the territory was not for sale.
Concerns grow after Trump’s remarks
Trump told the magazine that the United States needed Greenland for defence purposes, citing its strategic importance. He made the comments a day after Washington abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and announced plans to administer Venezuela, a move that heightened unease in Copenhagen.
As a result, Danish officials expressed concern that similar actions or pressure tactics could be directed toward Greenland. Frederiksen warned that such rhetoric threatened a historically close ally and another country and people who had repeatedly rejected any transfer of sovereignty. She called on Washington to respect international law and existing alliances.
Strategic importance of Arctic island
Tensions have resurfaced since December 21, when Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. The move drew renewed criticism from both Denmark and Greenland, as Landry has publicly supported the idea of the island becoming part of the United States.
Greenland’s location between Europe and North America gives it major strategic value, particularly for the US ballistic missile defence system. In addition, its mineral resources have attracted attention as Washington seeks to reduce dependence on Chinese exports.
Although Greenland gained self-governing status, it remains part of the Danish Kingdom and relies heavily on Danish financial support. Denmark has recently worked to repair strained ties with Greenland while simultaneously increasing investment in Arctic defence to manage growing geopolitical tensions.
