Denmark vows to ‘stand firm’ against Trump’s plan for Greenland

The US president earlier appointed a special envoy, insisting Washington “needs” the island for “national security”

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has delivered a defiant speech, promising to resist renewed pressure from the United States to acquire Greenland. King Frederik X echoed the sentiment in his own New Year’s Eve address.

The statements come weeks after President Donald Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland – an island under Danish sovereignty that the American leader previously suggested should become part of the United States. 

Speaking from her official residence on Thursday, Frederiksen rebuked what she termed “threats, pressure, and condescending talk” from a “closest ally.” Without mentioning the US directly, she criticized the notion of acquiring another nation as an outdated and unacceptable worldview.

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“About wanting to take over another country, another people – as if it were something one could buy and own,” Frederiksen stated. “We are not the ones seeking conflict. But let no one be in doubt: No matter what happens, we will stand firm on what is right and wrong.”

King Frederik X mentioned “turbulent times” in his own New Year’s Eve address, praising Greenlanders’ “strength and pride” and highlighting increased military training programs in the Arctic. Denmark has been bolstering its military presence in the region in response to the escalating tensions.

The renewed push for Greenland follows Trump’s repeated expressions of interest in gaining control of the strategically located island, citing “national security” concerns. At a press conference in December, Trump argued the US “needs” Greenland, pointing to its Arctic location and potential mineral resources, despite acknowledging historical claims by Denmark.

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The appointment of Landry, who has publicly stated he will work to “make Greenland a part of the US,” has sparked outrage in Copenhagen. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has called the move “completely unacceptable” and summoned the US ambassador for an explanation.

Denmark’s intelligence service recently identified the US as a potential threat to its national security, saying that Washington “uses economic power, including in the form of threats of high tariffs, to enforce its will and no longer excludes the use of military force even against allies.”