Denmark is currently in a state of heightened alert following U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed interest in Greenland. His comments come on the heels of a significant military operation in Venezuela, where U.S. forces successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. In a statement made aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized the importance of Greenland from a national security perspective, asserting that Denmark would not be able to manage the territory's defense effectively.
On Sunday, Trump reiterated his position that the U.S. needs to take over Greenland, reflecting similar sentiments he expressed in an interview with The Atlantic. His remarks have sent shockwaves throughout Denmark, which is tasked with the defense of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory under Danish governance. In response, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a strong rebuke via a Facebook post, stating, “It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the need for the United States to take over Greenland.”
The Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is a member of NATO and benefits from the alliance's security guarantees. Frederiksen highlighted the existing defense agreement between Denmark and the United States, which already grants the U.S. extensive access to Greenland. She urged the U.S. to cease threats against Denmark, emphasizing the historical ties between the two nations and the clear stance of Greenland's people against being "for sale."
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the Prime Minister of Greenland, expressed his discontent with Trump's comments, labeling them as “very rude and disrespectful.” His statements reflect the sentiments of many Greenlanders who have historically opposed U.S. control over their territory.
Greenland is a vast and sparsely populated territory, rich in minerals and strategically located between Europe and North America. While Trump has long advocated for U.S. control, opinion polls indicate that the majority of Greenlanders favor independence from Denmark. In light of these tensions, the Danish government has been working to strengthen ties with Greenland, committing to increased funding for health care and infrastructure while also enhancing Arctic defense capabilities through the acquisition of 16 additional F-35 fighter jets.
Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at the political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, noted that the Danish government is in "full crisis mode" over Trump's latest remarks. He referred to the situation as the biggest risk to the transatlantic alliance and intra-NATO cohesion, even more significant than the challenges posed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Rahman stated, “As I've long argued, the Greenland risk is underpriced.”
In a move that has drawn criticism from both Denmark and Greenland, Trump appointed Jeff Landry, the Republican Governor of Louisiana, as the special envoy to Greenland. Landry has shown public support for Trump's ambitions regarding Greenland, further complicating the diplomatic landscape. Additionally, Katie Miller, the wife of White House aide Stephen Miller, made headlines by sharing a map of Greenland adorned with an American flag, accompanied by the caption “SOON” shortly after the military operation in Venezuela.
As tensions escalate, the future of Greenland and its relationship with both Denmark and the United States remains uncertain, prompting calls for dialogue and diplomatic resolution.