Denmark Pushes Back Against Trump’s Greenland Remarks, Urges Respect for Sovereignty
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen , said Washington must respect international law and the sovereignty of Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark . Her comments followed recent remarks by Trump in which he reiterated that the United States “needs Greenland” for national security reasons, citing increased Ru
ssian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. Speaking to reporters, Frederiksen rejected the idea outright, emphasizing that Greenland is not for sale and that decisions about its future rest with the people of Greenland themselves. She warned that repeated rhetoric about annexation risks undermining trust between allied nations. Trump’s comments, made in interviews and public appearances, have revived a controversial idea he first raised during his earlier presidency. He has argued that Greenland’s strategic location and natural resources make it vital to U.S. security interests, particularly as global competition intensifies in the Arctic region. Greenland’s leaders have also responded sharply, describing the remarks as disrespectful and reaffirming that the territory’s political status is not open to negotiation. Greenland, while maintaining close ties with both Denmark and the United States , has repeatedly stated its desire to determine its own path without external pressure. The renewed dispute comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions following recent U.S. actions in Venezuela, adding to concerns in Europe about an increasingly assertive American foreign policy tone. Analysts say the Greenland comments risk distracting from broader cooperation on Arctic security, climate change, and defense coordination. Despite the sharp language, Danish officials stressed that they remain committed to close cooperation with Washington, particularly through NATO. However, they made clear that any suggestion of territorial claims against an ally is unacceptable. As Arctic routes become more accessible due to climate change and competition among major powers intensifies, Greenland’s strategic importance is expected to grow — making diplomatic clarity and restraint increasingly critical. Source: ABC News
