Denmark's Prime Minister has issued a stark warning to former US President Donald Trump, declaring the nation is accelerating its military expansion in response to his persistent threats to take control of Greenland.
A Firm Rejection in the New Year's Address
In her annual televised New Year's speech, Social Democrat Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen directly confronted what she described as "threats, pressure, and derogatory language" from a lifetime ally. She firmly rejected the notion that a country and its people could be bought or owned, stating "it doesn't belong anywhere."
Frederiksen emphasised that Denmark is not seeking conflict but is unequivocally standing its ground. "We are in full swing strengthening Danish defence and preparedness," she declared. "Never before have we increased our military strength so significantly. So quickly." She reiterated the government's commitment to bolstering security in the vast Arctic territories of the Danish realm.
Trump's Renewed Push for Annexation
The diplomatic tension stems from Trump's revived ambition, since his return to the White House in 2025, to annex Greenland. He cites the island's strategic position in the Arctic as vital for US "national protection." In May, Trump stated he would not rule out using "force" to seize the resource-rich territory.
The situation escalated in December when Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy with the explicit goal of "making Greenland part of the US." Landry thanked Trump on social media, calling it an honour to serve in the "volunteer position." Trump later claimed the US had explored Greenland three centuries ago, a statement at odds with historical records of Indigenous Inuit habitation for millennia and European contact dating to the 10th century.
In response, PM Frederiksen and Greenland's Premier, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, issued a joint statement: "You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security... Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders." Premier Nielsen added on Facebook that Greenlanders decide their own future.
Broader Security Concerns and Alliances
The row has triggered significant shifts in Denmark's security posture. In a historic move in early December, Denmark's military intelligence service labelled the US a security risk for the first time. Its report warned that the US under Trump no longer rules out using military force against allies and uses economic power to enforce its will.
The report also expressed uncertainty about America's role as Europe's primary security guarantor. King Frederik X echoed the theme of resilience in his own New Year's address, praising the "strength and pride" of Greenlanders.
This follows aggressive rhetoric from US Vice President JD Vance during a March visit to Greenland's Pituffik Space Base, where he suggested the US would no longer "pick up the tab" for European security and pushed for Greenland's independence. Meanwhile, polls indicate Greenland's residents overwhelmingly oppose becoming part of the United States.
The standoff leaves a critical NATO alliance strained, with Denmark accelerating its military build-up and reinforcing its Arctic defences amid what it perceives as direct pressure from its closest ally.
