Danish and Greenlandic leaders have issued a forceful rebuke to United States President Donald Trump, demanding he cease threats to take over the mineral-rich Arctic island of Greenland. The condemnation follows a dramatic US military operation in Venezuela that captured President Nicolas Maduro.
A Firm Rejection from Copenhagen and Nuuk
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated unequivocally that US annexation talk was baseless. "It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the US needing to take over Greenland. The US has no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish Kingdom," she said, referring to Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands.
Her comments came directly after President Trump told The Atlantic magazine, "We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defence." This statement was made just one day after elite US special forces stormed Maduro's fortified Caracas residence in a rapid 30-minute raid. Trump hailed the operation as "the most spectacular attack since World War Two."
Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, joined in the criticism, calling Trump's remarks disrespectful. "When the President of the United States says that 'we need Greenland' and links us to Venezuela and military intervention, it's not just wrong — it's disrespectful," Nielsen asserted.
Escalating Tensions and Historical Context
The US operation in Venezuela, which has seen Maduro charged with narco-terrorism and cocaine importation offences, sent shockwaves through European diplomatic circles. It raised immediate concerns about potential US involvement in other global hotspots, with Greenland a prominent subject of discussion.
Prime Minister Frederiksen urged the US to stop threatening "a historically close ally." The UN secretary-general also noted that rules of international law appeared not to have been respected in the Venezuela intervention.
The situation was further inflamed online by Katie Miller, wife of Trump adviser Stephen Miller. She posted an image on X (formerly Twitter) showing Greenland coloured in the US flag with the word "SOON," hinting the island was a next target. This reflects the ambitions of several hardliners within Trump's circle.
Trump's interest in Greenland is long-standing. During his first term in 2019, he reportedly discussed buying the island. Historically, in 1946, the US offered Denmark $100 million for Greenland and even considered a land swap involving parts of Alaska.
Strategic Stakes and the Road Ahead
The renewed US focus is driven by Greenland's immense strategic and mineral value. Trump has repeatedly stated, "We need Greenland for national security. We must have it," citing Russian and Chinese activity near the island.
On December 21, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, drawing fresh criticism. Landry, who publicly supports Greenland becoming part of the US, thanked Trump for the "volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US."
Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is home to around 57,000 people. Its position between Europe and North America makes it key for US missile defence, and its mineral wealth aligns with Trump's goal of reducing reliance on Chinese imports.
While Denmark has worked over the past year to strengthen ties with Greenland and ease tensions with the Trump administration through Arctic defence investments, this latest episode underscores the fragile geopolitics of the region. The strong statements from Copenhagen and Nuuk signal a firm commitment to Greenland's current political status amid external pressure.
