Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has played down renewed interest by the United States in taking control of the Arctic island, saying that if Greenlanders were asked to choose now, they would overwhelmingly favour remaining within the Kingdom of Denmark rather than aligning with Washington.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Copenhagen alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Nielsen said recent statements from US President Donald Trump had created uncertainty at a time when Greenland was already facing heightened geopolitical pressure.
“If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark,” Nielsen said, stressing that Greenland did not want to be owned, governed or absorbed by the United States.
Trump has in recent weeks revived a long-standing idea of bringing Greenland under US control, arguing that the territory is essential to American national security amid growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.
The White House has floated the idea of purchasing the island and has not ruled out the use of force, remarks that have alarmed both Danish and European leaders.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, controlling its own domestic affairs while Copenhagen retains responsibility for defence and foreign policy.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, controlling its own domestic affairs while Copenhagen retains responsibility for defence and foreign policy.
Although sparsely populated, the island holds strategic importance due to its location between North America and Europe, making it a critical hub for missile early-warning systems and Arctic maritime surveillance.
The United States already maintains a military presence at Pituffik Space Base in north-western Greenland, where more than 100 US personnel are permanently stationed.
The United States already maintains a military presence at Pituffik Space Base in north-western Greenland, where more than 100 US personnel are permanently stationed.
Under existing defence agreements with Denmark, Washington has wide latitude to expand its military footprint on the island if needed.
However, Trump has indicated that such arrangements are insufficient, insisting that outright ownership is necessary.
However, Trump has indicated that such arrangements are insufficient, insisting that outright ownership is necessary.
Speaking to reporters in Washington last week, he said leasing or basing agreements were “not good enough” and suggested Nato allies needed to accept the US position.
Frederiksen responded sharply, warning that any attempt to use military force against a Nato ally would undermine the foundations of the trans-Atlantic alliance.
Frederiksen responded sharply, warning that any attempt to use military force against a Nato ally would undermine the foundations of the trans-Atlantic alliance.
She described the pressure being applied by the US as “completely unacceptable” and cautioned that relations were entering an increasingly difficult phase.
“There are many signs that the most challenging part may still lie ahead,” the Danish leader said, adding that Denmark remained committed to dialogue but would not compromise on sovereignty.
Nielsen described the situation as a “geopolitical crisis” for Greenland, noting that global competition for Arctic influence was intensifying as climate change opens up new shipping routes and access to natural resources.
Interest in Greenland has grown steadily in recent years due to its vast reserves of rare earth minerals, uranium and iron ore, as well as the possibility of untapped oil and gas deposits.
“There are many signs that the most challenging part may still lie ahead,” the Danish leader said, adding that Denmark remained committed to dialogue but would not compromise on sovereignty.
Nielsen described the situation as a “geopolitical crisis” for Greenland, noting that global competition for Arctic influence was intensifying as climate change opens up new shipping routes and access to natural resources.
Interest in Greenland has grown steadily in recent years due to its vast reserves of rare earth minerals, uranium and iron ore, as well as the possibility of untapped oil and gas deposits.
Melting ice has made some of these resources more accessible, increasing the island’s economic and strategic value.
Despite this, the Greenlandic leader said decisions about the island’s future must be made by its people alone, free from external pressure.
Support for Denmark has also come from Nato allies across Europe and North America, including Canada, who have issued statements emphasising that only Denmark and Greenland have the right to determine their relationship.
Despite this, the Greenlandic leader said decisions about the island’s future must be made by its people alone, free from external pressure.
Support for Denmark has also come from Nato allies across Europe and North America, including Canada, who have issued statements emphasising that only Denmark and Greenland have the right to determine their relationship.
Allies have reiterated the need to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law while addressing Arctic security concerns collectively.
The diplomatic standoff comes ahead of a high-level visit to Washington by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, who are expected to meet US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump first sparked controversy over Greenland in 2019, during his first term in office, when he made a public offer to buy the island—an idea quickly rejected by both Danish and Greenlandic officials.
The diplomatic standoff comes ahead of a high-level visit to Washington by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, who are expected to meet US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump first sparked controversy over Greenland in 2019, during his first term in office, when he made a public offer to buy the island—an idea quickly rejected by both Danish and Greenlandic officials.
The issue has now resurfaced amid broader global tensions and renewed competition among major powers in the Arctic.
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