Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reaffirmed Monday that Greenland is “not for sale” but signaled openness to expanding the American military presence on the Arctic island. Speaking in Brussels as EU leaders gathered, Frederiksen responded to President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring control of Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, through military or economic means.
Frederiksen emphasized Denmark’s sovereignty, stating, “Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and it’s not for sale.” However, she acknowledged the increasing strategic importance of the Arctic, particularly as Russia and China expand their presence in the region. Frederiksen welcomed further U.S. military cooperation, noting that the Arctic region plays a crucial role in defense and deterrence. The U.S. Space Force already operates a base in Greenland to monitor missile threats, and she suggested additional American military assets could be stationed there.
Trump has argued that securing Greenland is vital for U.S. national security. In a meeting with Netanyahu, he reiterated that the U.S. must control key geopolitical areas, including Greenland and the Panama Canal. His stance aligns with Vice President JD Vance, who recently criticized Denmark’s governance over Greenland, claiming it has failed to develop the island’s resources and maintain strong security measures.
Vance stated that Greenland is “really important to our national security” and suggested Trump would take a more assertive approach, prioritizing American interests over European objections. Frederiksen rejected Vance’s criticism, calling Denmark “one of the United States’ most important and strongest allies.” She defended Denmark’s military contributions to NATO and joint efforts against global threats, including terrorism and Russian aggression.
Denmark has recently committed nearly $2 billion to bolster Arctic security, including new naval vessels, long-range surveillance drones, and satellite capacity. European Council President Antonio Costa reaffirmed EU support for Denmark’s territorial integrity, citing parallels with the defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese imports, aimed at pressuring Beijing over fentanyl production. Additional tariffs on Canadian and Mexican energy exports have been temporarily suspended as both nations agreed to reinforce their borders. Trump has also invited Egyptian and Jordanian leaders to Washington for discussions, as Middle Eastern nations push back against his proposal for Palestinian resettlement outside Gaza.
The U.S. and Denmark continue to navigate diplomatic tensions over Greenland, Arctic security, and broader NATO cooperation. Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., recently visited Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, meeting with locals ahead of potential policy shifts regarding the island’s future.
