Denmark’s Prime Minister Urges U.S. to Cease Threats Over Greenland Annexation

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has urged President Donald Trump to stop threatening the annexation of Greenland following recent remarks by the American leader.

Frederiksen stated that it “makes absolutely no sense” for the United States to seek control over Greenland, emphasizing that Washington “has no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish Kingdom.”

Trump has repeatedly expressed a need for Greenland, stating it is essential for defense. This comes after U.S. authorities detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who indicated that Washington would assume control of Venezuela.

The situation has raised concerns in Denmark that a similar scenario could unfold with Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory. Frederiksen added: “I would therefore strongly urge the U.S. stop the threats against a historically close ally and against another country and another people, who have very clearly said that they are not for sale.”

On December 21, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, drawing criticism from Denmark and Greenland over Washington’s interest in the mineral-rich Arctic island. Landry has publicly supported Trump’s goal of integrating Greenland into the United States.

Greenland, a former Danish colony with the right to declare independence under a 2009 agreement, relies heavily on Danish financial support. The island’s strategic position between Europe and North America makes it critical for U.S. ballistic missile defense systems, while its mineral wealth attracts interest as the U.S. seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese exports.