Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has insisted Greenland is "not for sale" after US President Donald Trump renewed his calls for the United States to take control of the Arctic island. The statement came as tensions flared during a NATO summit in Ankara, where Trump repeated his claim that America should control Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Denmark's Firm Stance
Frederiksen declared that Denmark was prepared to defend its territory and backed Greenland's right to decide its own future. "We are ready to defend every inch of NATO, including our own territory," she said. "We hope that all, including all allies, will respect the Greenland people's right for self-determination. Greenland is, of course, not for sale."
Trump doubled down on his position, asserting that Greenland was "very important for the United States" but "not important for Denmark." His comments threatened to overshadow the summit, which was intended to demonstrate unity among NATO allies. Instead, leaders faced fresh questions about Trump's ambitions for the Danish territory.
Reactions from Allies
Iceland's Prime Minister, Kristrun Frostadottir, weighed in, stating that Greenland "belongs to the people of Greenland" and called for unity in the face of Russia, which she described as "the biggest threat." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte sought to refocus attention on the alliance, insisting that the United States remained fully committed to NATO despite the renewed tensions.
The summit had been expected to centre on defence spending and support for Ukraine, but Trump's latest remarks once again put Greenland at the heart of discussions. The territory, rich in natural resources and strategically located in the Arctic, has been a point of contention between the US and Denmark for years.
