Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, has urged the United States to stop threatening a “historically close ally” after President Donald Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland on national‑security grounds. Trump argued that control of the island is essential for Washington’s defense, claiming Denmark cannot protect it from perceived Russian and Chinese threats. He first floated the idea of buying Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, in 2019, but the proposal was promptly rejected by Copenhagen and Greenland’s authorities.
Since returning to office, Trump has revived the notion, even hinting at the possible use of force. In response, Denmark has bolstered its Arctic defenses and expanded both military and civilian monitoring, viewing the pressure as a direct challenge to its sovereignty. Frederiksen stressed that the United States has no right to annex any part of the Danish Kingdom and called on Washington to respect Greenland’s autonomy and its people.
“We do need Greenland, absolutely,” Trump told *The Atlantic*, adding that the island is “surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships” and that Copenhagen cannot handle the perceived threat. He also claimed the European Union needs the United States to have Greenland for national‑security reasons. Tensions have risen in recent weeks; in December, Trump appointed a special envoy to the territory, prompting Copenhagen to summon the U.S. ambassador for an explanation. The U.S. launched a military operation in Venezuela on Sunday, fueling speculation about future actions in the region. A former Trump‑administration official suggested Washington will “soon” take over Greenland, though this claim remains unconfirmed.
The dispute underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Arctic, where multiple countries vie for influence and resources. Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland has long been contested, with the United States and other nations seeking to expand their presence. As events unfold, it remains uncertain how the U.S. and Denmark will resolve their differences and address the concerns of Greenland’s residents.
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