Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected renewed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the United States should take control of Greenland, warning that such statements undermine international law and strain relations with close allies.
In comments published by The Atlantic, Trump said the United States “absolutely” needs Greenland, citing defence considerations. The remarks prompted swift responses from leaders in both Denmark and Greenland late Sunday.
Denmark Rejects Annexation Talk
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the comments as unacceptable, stressing that Greenland is not for sale and cannot be annexed.
“It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the U.S. needing to take over Greenland,” Frederiksen said.
“The United States has no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish Kingdom.”
She added that Washington should refrain from making threats against long-standing allies, particularly when Greenlanders have repeatedly expressed opposition to any transfer of sovereignty.
Greenland Leaders Condemn Remarks
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, also criticised Trump’s statements, calling them both misleading and disrespectful.
“When the President of the United States says ‘we need Greenland’ and associates us with Venezuela and military intervention, it is not only wrong — it is offensive,” Nielsen said.
Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with authority over most domestic matters, while Denmark controls foreign policy and defence.
Heightened Concerns After Venezuela Developments
Trump’s comments came a day after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and announced it would oversee governance in Venezuela. The development raised alarm in Copenhagen and Nuuk that similar pressure tactics could be directed at Greenland.
U.S. Focus on Greenland Intensifies
Greenland has drawn renewed attention from Washington in recent weeks. On December 21, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland, a move criticised by both Danish and Greenlandic officials. Landry has publicly supported Trump’s long-standing view that Greenland should become part of the United States.
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland’s location and resources make it strategically vital for U.S. interests.
Strategic and Economic Importance
Greenland’s position between Europe and North America makes it central to U.S. ballistic missile defence and Arctic security planning. The island also possesses significant mineral resources, including rare earth elements, which have become increasingly important as the U.S. seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese exports.
Greenland’s Status
A former Danish colony, Greenland gained expanded self-rule under a 2009 agreement, which also grants it the legal right to declare independence through a referendum. Despite this autonomy, the island remains economically dependent on annual financial support from Denmark.
Over the past year, Copenhagen has sought to repair strained relations with Greenland while simultaneously easing tensions with Washington by boosting investment in Arctic defence and security cooperation.
Danish and Greenlandic leaders have reiterated that any future decisions about Greenland’s status rest solely with its people, not foreign governments.
Source: Africa Publicity
