In a bold statement, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has criticized President Donald Trump’s administration for exerting what she describes as “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland. This condemnation comes in response to the upcoming visit to the Danish territory by U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance, along with key officials including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Frederiksen expressed her concerns, stating, “This is clearly not a visit that is about what Greenland needs or wants.” The Prime Minister underscored that the timing of this visit is inappropriate, particularly as Greenland is currently without a functioning government following recent elections. “You cannot make a private visit with official representatives from another country,” she added, emphasizing the need for respect regarding Greenland’s political situation.
The criticism from Frederiksen marks her strongest rebuke of the White House since Trump began expressing interest in Greenland, which is noted for its vast reserves of critical minerals and its vital geostrategic location in the Arctic. During his first term, Trump raised the possibility of the U.S. acquiring Greenland, a notion he has since intensified upon returning to the presidency. He has not dismissed the idea of using military force or economic coercion, labeling the acquisition as an “absolute necessity” for U.S. national security.
Frederiksen cautioned that Trump’s intentions regarding Greenland should not be taken lightly. “He wants Greenland. Therefore, it cannot be seen independently of anything else,” she stated, highlighting the potential threat posed by the U.S. president's ambitions. Despite these tensions, both Denmark and Greenland are committed to maintaining strong ties with the United States. “We are allies; we have a defense agreement on Greenland dating back to 1951. There is no indication in either Denmark or Greenland that we do not want to cooperate with the Americans,” she concluded.
