Denmark and Greenland Reject Trump’s Renewed Calls to Take Over Greenland

Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected renewed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the United States should take control of Greenland, calling the remarks disrespectful and unacceptable. The reaction came after Trump reiterated his long-standing interest in the Arctic island during an interview with The Atlantic, once again framing Greenland as a strategic necessity for U.S. defense.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the idea that the United States needs to take over Greenland “makes absolutely no sense” and emphasized that the U.S. has no right to annex any part of the Danish Kingdom. She urged Washington to stop issuing threats against a historically close ally and against the people of Greenland, who have repeatedly stated they are not for sale.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen echoed the criticism, saying Trump’s remarks were not only wrong but deeply disrespectful, especially after he linked Greenland to Venezuela and military intervention. The comments raised alarm in Denmark, particularly after Trump spoke about U.S. control over Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, prompting fears that similar rhetoric could escalate regarding Greenland.

Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is essential for U.S. national security, citing its strategic location between Europe and North America. The island plays a key role in America’s ballistic missile defense system and is rich in valuable minerals, making it increasingly important as global powers compete for influence in the Arctic and seek alternatives to Chinese supply chains.

Tensions were further inflamed in December when Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. Landry has publicly supported the idea of Greenland becoming part of the United States, drawing renewed criticism from both Danish and Greenlandic leaders.

Although Greenland remains a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, it has the legal right to declare independence under a 2009 agreement. However, it continues to rely heavily on Danish financial subsidies. Over the past year, Denmark has worked to repair relations with Greenland while also attempting to ease tensions with the Trump administration through increased investment in Arctic defense, underscoring the growing geopolitical importance of the region.