Danish and Greenlandic leaders have called on U.S. President Donald Trump to halt his repeated mentions of acquiring Greenland, emphasizing that the U.S. has no authority to annex any territory from the Danish Kingdom. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that it is illogical for the U.S. to discuss taking over Greenland. Trump expressed his belief in the necessity of Greenland for defense purposes in an interview with The Atlantic magazine.
Following the recent U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, where Trump announced intentions to oversee Venezuela, concerns arose in Denmark about similar actions towards Greenland, a Danish possession. Frederiksen urged the U.S. to cease threatening a close ally and a nation that has clearly stated its non-negotiable status.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, condemned Trump’s remarks linking Greenland to Venezuela and military intervention as disrespectful and inaccurate. Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, further fueling criticism from Denmark and Greenland regarding U.S. interest in the resource-rich Arctic island.
Trump’s advocacy for integrating Greenland, which is currently a self-governing Danish territory, into the United States has been met with mixed reactions. The strategic location of Greenland, positioned between Europe and North America, is crucial for the U.S.’s ballistic-missile defense system. Moreover, the island’s mineral resources are appealing to the U.S. as it aims to lessen dependence on Chinese exports.
Although Greenland has the right to declare independence based on a 2009 agreement, it heavily relies on Danish financial support. Denmark has been working to improve relations with Greenland while also attempting to mitigate tensions with the Trump administration by investing in Arctic defense initiatives.