Denmark, Greenland push back on Trump’s Greenland purchase plan before summit

Denmark and Greenland push back against Trump’s Greenland takeover call

Copenhagen/Washington: Denmark and its territory Greenland have issued a firm rejection of US President Donald Trump’s repeated calls to acquire Greenland, ahead of key diplomatic meetings in Washington. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stressed that Greenland is part of Denmark and protected under NATO. They warned that any attempt by the US to force a takeover or secession would strain the transatlantic alliance.

Frederiksen said, “We stand together today, we will do so tomorrow, and we will continue to do so.” Nielsen added, “If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark, we choose Denmark, NATO, the Kingdom of Denmark, and the EU.”

Trump has suggested a range of options for acquiring Greenland, including military force, claiming that Russia or China could gain influence if the US does not act. Denmark has repeatedly stated that Greenland is not for sale but remains open to expanded US military cooperation on the island.

Greenlandic leaders voice concern

Greenlandic officials have voiced alarm over the US proposal. Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland’s minister for business and mineral resources, said, “People are not sleeping, children are afraid. We can’t really understand it.” She emphasized that Greenlanders should have a say in their own future, calling the prospect of a US takeover “unfathomable.”

Currently, the US maintains a limited military presence in Greenland, mainly at the Pituffik Space Base, supporting missile warning, defense, and space surveillance operations. Denmark also recently expanded US access to bases on its soil but reiterated that Greenland’s sovereignty remains intact.

Diplomatic and NATO context

Denmark’s and Greenland’s foreign ministers are set to meet US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte declined to comment on the dispute, saying the alliance must focus on Arctic security. Meanwhile, a US congressional delegation is scheduled to visit Copenhagen to discuss bilateral cooperation.