Greenland’s leader has forcefully rejected renewed remarks by US President Donald Trump about acquiring the Arctic island. Greenland said its future must be decided solely by its people. European allies echoed that message, voicing strong support for Denmark and Greenland.
The comments followed Trump’s statement in an interview with The Atlantic that the United States “absolutely” needed Greenland for defence purposes. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One early Monday, Trump said he would revisit the issue in the coming weeks.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded sharply on Sunday, writing on Facebook: “Threats, pressure, and talk of annexation have no place between friends. Enough is enough. No more fantasies about annexation.”
Denmark’s concerns have been heightened by recent US actions in Latin America. Trump’s Greenland remarks came a day after US special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a surprise operation, with Trump subsequently stating that Washington intended to oversee governance of the oil-rich country. The episode revived fears in Copenhagen that Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, could face similar pressure.
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, first raising the idea during his initial presidency in 2019. On December 21, he appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. Landry has publicly supported the idea of incorporating the island into the United States.
Greenland’s location between Europe and North America makes it strategically important for US ballistic missile defence, while its mineral wealth is seen by Washington as key to reducing reliance on Chinese exports.
European leaders moved quickly to back Denmark and Greenland. Finnish President Alexander Stubb wrote on X that “no one decides for Greenland and Denmark but Greenland and Denmark themselves,” adding that Denmark had the full support of its Nordic partners.
France also voiced solidarity, with President Emmanuel Macron reiterating that the Island belonged to its people. During a visit to Nuuk last June, Macron warned the island faced “predatory ambition.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said US claims about needing to take over of the Island made “absolutely no sense.”German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Monday that the island belonged to Denmark and suggested Nato could discuss strengthening protections for the island if needed.
Speaking in Lithuania, Wadephul also raised questions about Maduro’s removal, stressing that Venezuela’s future should be determined by its people through free and fair elections.