COPENHAGEN, Denmark, January 5 — Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued a direct rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump over his renewed interest in acquiring Greenland. The statement follows Trump’s latest comments and comes amid broader concerns over U.S. interventionism.
What did the Danish PM say?
In a statement on Sunday, PM Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected the notion of a U.S. takeover. “It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the U.S. needing to take over Greenland. The U.S. has no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish Kingdom,” she said.
Frederiksen urged the U.S. to stop its threats against a historically close ally, referencing the clear desire of the Greenlandic people. “I would therefore strongly urge the U.S. 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.”
Why is Trump focused on Greenland?
Trump reiterated his stance in an interview with The Atlantic magazine, stating, “We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense.” This follows his appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland last December, a move that drew criticism.
The U.S. interest arises from Greenland’s strategic and economic broader value:
Strategic Position: Its Arctic location remains critical for U.S. ballistic missile defense.
Mineral Wealth: The island possesses resources important to cutting reliance on Chinese exports.
Governance: Greenland is a self-governing Danish territory with independence rights but depends on Danish subsidies for stability.
Why does this matter now?
Frederiksen’s statement comes a day after Trump discussed U.S. intervention in Venezuela, raising concerns in Denmark about similar ambitions for Greenland. The Danish government has been working to mend ties with Greenland while navigating a strained relationship with the Trump administration, including through investments in Arctic defense.
The government of Greenland did not immediately comment.
FAQs
Q: Can the United States legally take over Greenland?
A: No. Within the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland is an autonomous region. The Greenlandic and Danish governments and people must agree to any change in its status; the United States cannot act unilaterally.
Q: What has Trump done regarding Greenland so far?
A: Beyond repeated public statements, President Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland in December, a move seen as advancing U.S. interests on the island.
Q: Why is Greenland strategically important?
A: Its location in the Arctic between Europe and North America makes it vital for military and missile defense. It also possesses significant untapped mineral resources.
Q: How has Denmark responded to U.S. pressure previously?
A: Denmark has sought to balance defending its sovereignty with maintaining its alliance with the U.S., including by increasing its own investments in Arctic defense capabilities.
