Copenhagen: Greenland has drawn firm opposition from Denmark after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen directly criticised comments and actions linked to US President Donald Trump, saying there is no justification for the United States to take control of the territory.
In a statement published on the Danish government’s website, Frederiksen said it made no sense to suggest that the US had any right to annex Greenland, stressing that the Danish kingdom consists of three nations whose sovereignty must be respected. Frederiksen added that Denmark and Greenland are both covered by Nato’s collective security guarantee and already maintain defence cooperation with Washington.
The comments followed a social media post by Katie Miller, the wife of Trump aide Stephen Miller, who shared an image of Greenland coloured like the US flag with the word ‘soon’.
Danish officials viewed the post as provocative, prompting a response from Denmark’s ambassador to the US, who reminded Washington that the two countries are allies and that Denmark expects respect for its territorial integrity.
Greenland has long been mentioned by Trump as strategically important due to its Arctic location and mineral resources critical to advanced technology. Trump has previously declined to rule out the use of force to secure control of the island, arguing that incorporating Greenland would serve US national security interests.
Frederiksen said Denmark has already increased investment in Arctic security and maintains an agreement that allows US access to Greenland, removing any need for further escalation. Frederiksen urged the US to stop issuing threats against what Denmark considers a historically close ally and against a population that has clearly said it is not for sale.
Greenland, home to about 57,000 people, has enjoyed extensive self-government since 1979, although defence and foreign policy remain under Danish authority. While many Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, opinion polls have consistently shown strong opposition to becoming part of the United States.
The dispute has emerged against a wider backdrop of assertive US foreign policy moves, including recent military action in Venezuela. Danish officials have expressed concern that continued rhetoric over Greenland risks undermining trust between Nato allies and destabilising relations in the Arctic region.
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