COPENHAGEN, Janaury 6 — Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated desire to acquire Greenland must be taken seriously, while firmly stating the island is not for sale. The comments come as European powers expressed solidarity with Greenland, a move prompted by renewed regional security concerns following the U.S. military capture of Venezuela’s leader. This comes just after a day of standing to US by syaing “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.”
While the Danish government previously viewed Trump’s interest as a “fantasy” or a real estate deal, may now treats the situation as a potential security risk.
Why is Trump’s Greenland comment in talk?
President Trump has consistently expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, telling The Atlantic magazine on Sunday, “We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defence.” He confirmed aboard Air Force One that he would revisit the topic in weeks.
The recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, where American forces captured President Nicolás Maduro, has intensified Danish and European anxieties that a similar coercive scenario could target the autonomous Danish territory.
What is Denmark and Greenland’s response?
Danish PM Mette Frederiksen was unequivocal. “Unfortunately, I think the American president should be taken seriously,” she told broadcaster DR. “I have made it very clear where the Kingdom of Denmark stands, and Greenland has repeatedly said that it does not want to be part of the United States.”
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, was more blunt in a Facebook post: “Enough is enough… No more fantasies about annexation.”
Why does the US want Greenland?
The U.S. interest is strategic and economic. Greenland’s location between Europe and North America makes it critical for U.S. ballistic missile defense. The island also holds significant deposits of rare earth minerals and other resources, aligning with Washington’s goal to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains.
Last month, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a supporter of incorporating Greenland, as a special envoy to the island.
How are European powers responding?
Key European allies swiftly backed Denmark and Greenland’s position, framing it as a sovereignty issue.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark must determine the future of Greenland and nobody else.”
- Germany’s Foreign Minister suggested NATO could discuss strengthening protections for Greenland if needed.
- The European Commission reiterated the EU’s commitment to the principle of national sovereignty.
What happens next?
The situation creates a diplomatic strain within NATO. PM Frederiksen pointedly noted, “If the United States attacks another NATO country, everything stops.” The remarks signal that any aggressive action would rupture the alliance.
The consensus from Copenhagen, Nuuk, and European capitals is clear: Greenland’s future is solely for its people and Denmark to decide, dismissing any notion of a forced transaction.
