In a recent statement, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has expressed her admiration for the people of Greenland, highlighting their resilience in the face of former President Donald Trump's attempts to acquire the Arctic island. This message was shared on social media just days ahead of a scheduled visit to Greenland by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and other officials, who are expected to tour an American military base located in Greenland's remote northern region.
Frederiksen acknowledged the overwhelming attention and pressure surrounding Greenland, stating, “The attention is overwhelming and the pressure is great. But it is in times like these that you show what you are made of. You have not been cowed. You have stood up for who you are — and you have shown what you stand for. That has my deepest respect.” This sentiment resonates deeply, especially considering that Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and is home to roughly 56,000 Danish citizens.
The comments from Frederiksen come in light of Trump's persistent and, at times, aggressive remarks regarding the acquisition of Greenland, a situation that has raised concerns in Copenhagen, a long-standing ally of the United States. Frederiksen warned that Trump’s ambitions have not diminished, stating, “What he has said publicly several times, most recently again today,” referring to a radio interview in which Trump asserted that the U.S. will “have” Greenland. The Danish Prime Minister emphasized that Washington would continue to act based on their interests, regardless of Denmark’s stance.
“They the U.S. know that Greenland is not for sale,” Frederiksen asserted. “They know that Greenland does not want to be part of the United States. This has been communicated to them unequivocally both directly and in public.”
The anticipated visit by Vice President Vance to Pituffik Space Base replaces an earlier plan that included stops in the capital, Nuuk, and attendance at a local dog-sled race featuring Second Lady Usha Vance. This original itinerary was scrapped following backlash from both Danish and Greenlandic officials, who criticized the timing of the visit, especially coming on the heels of Greenland’s elections and ongoing coalition discussions. There were also planned protests from Greenlanders, adding to a series of recent demonstrations against Trump’s perceived takeover bid.
Frederiksen characterized the canceled visit as “unacceptable pressure.” However, she acknowledged that Vice President Vance had raised valid concerns regarding Arctic security. “When Vice President Vance, for example, says that neither the United States nor Denmark has done enough for security around Greenland, that is not wrong,” she commented. “That is why we have changed our defense policy.” Earlier this year, Denmark announced plans to invest billions of euros to bolster its Arctic defenses, highlighting the importance of Arctic security in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics.
