Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued a forceful plea to US President Donald Trump, urging him to stop making threats regarding the acquisition of Greenland. This comes after President Trump reiterated his desire for the United States to take control of the self-governing Danish territory.
‘No Sense’ for US to Annex Greenland, Says Danish PM
In a strongly-worded statement released on Sunday 04 January 2026, Prime Minister Frederiksen dismissed the American leader's ambitions. "It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the U.S. needing to take over Greenland," she declared. "The U.S. has no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish Kingdom."
The Danish leader's intervention was prompted by comments from President Trump in an interview with The Atlantic magazine. "We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defence," the President told the publication.
Frederiksen expressed deep concern, stating, "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." The office of the Greenlandic Prime Minister did not provide an immediate comment.
Strategic Interests and Rising Tensions
The latest remarks have heightened anxieties in Copenhagen, particularly following recent US actions in Venezuela. President Trump spoke just a day after the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, with Washington stating it would run the Latin American country. This has led to fears in Denmark that a similar approach could be applied to Greenland.
Washington's interest in the mineral-rich Arctic island is longstanding and multifaceted. Its strategic position between Europe and North America makes it a crucial site for the US ballistic missile defence system. Furthermore, its vast mineral wealth is seen as key to reducing American reliance on Chinese exports.
In a move that drew fresh criticism, President Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland on 21 December. Governor Landry is a public supporter of the idea of Greenland becoming part of the United States.
A Delicate Balance for Denmark
The situation presents a complex diplomatic challenge for Denmark. Greenland is a self-governing territory that was a former Danish colony. Under a 2009 agreement, it holds the right to declare independence, but its economy remains heavily dependent on subsidies from Copenhagen.
In response to the ongoing tensions, the Danish government has pursued a dual strategy over the past year. It has sought to repair strained relations with Greenland itself, while simultaneously attempting to ease frictions with the Trump administration by committing to increased investment in Arctic defence capabilities.
The dispute underscores the growing geopolitical significance of the Arctic region and tests the bonds of the NATO alliance, where both the United States and Denmark are key members.
