Denmark announced it would spend billions of Danish kroner to invest in its military amid President Donald Trump’s efforts to acquire Greenland.
Danish Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen said the country “must face the fact that there are serious challenges regarding security and defence in the Arctic and North Atlantic. For this reason, we must strengthen our presence in the region. That is the objective of this agreement, which paves the way for further initiatives already this year.”
Vivian Motzfeldt, the Minister of Statehood and Foreign Affairs, said Greenland is “facing a changing security landscape. I am pleased with the steps we are taking towards increased security in and around Greenland with this partial defence agreement. Naalakkersuisut is looking forward to continuing the dialogue with the Government of Denmark.”
The military investment includes Arctic naval vessels, long-range drones, improved situational awareness, and increased Arctic military training.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AL) issued a joint statement with Member of Danish Parliament Aaja Chemnitz criticizing Trump’s effort to purchase the area.
“In recent weeks, as President Trump has suggested the U.S. should purchase Greenland from the Kingdom of Denmark, attention has rapidly turned to what the future may hold. The appeal of Greenland is easy to understand. It is strategically located for defense, shipping, and more. It is also a storehouse for all sorts of minerals, the building blocks of society that will determine who leads—and controls—the industries of the future,” the joint statement said.
“Of course, a businessman turned president would be interested. But Greenland is not for sale. The question has been asked and firmly answered by the government of Greenland, Naalakkersuisut.” The statement added that Greenland must be seen as an “ally, not an asset.”
During a recent interview with Fox News, Greenland Prime Minister Múte Egede emphasized Greenland’s desire for greater cooperation with the United States in Arctic defense and mineral investments. It does not seek to become part of the U.S.
