COPENHAGEN January 4, 2026 — Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly rebuffed U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest assertions that the United States needs Greenland, calling any suggestions of annexation baseless and urging Washington to end perceived threats against a key ally.
Frederiksen addressed the issue directly, stating: “It makes absolutely no sense to speak of any necessity for the United States to take over Greenland.” She added that the U.S. “has no legal basis to annex” Greenland, part of the Kingdom of Denmark and protected under NATO’s collective security guarantee. Highlighting existing U.S.-Danish defense agreements and recent Arctic investments by Denmark, she called on the U.S. to “cease its threats against a historically close ally.”
The remarks follow Trump’s recent comments reaffirming U.S. interest in the Arctic territory, including his appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland — a move Trump likened to the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.
In public statements, Trump emphasized national security as the driving factor: “We need Greenland for national security… We need it for defense.” He described Greenland’s small population and limited Danish military investment while noting its strategic value.
The timing aligns with heightened U.S. foreign policy activity, including recent military operations in Venezuela.
Greenland, the world’s largest island with vast ice sheets and critical Arctic positioning, holds growing geopolitical importance amid melting ice, emerging shipping routes, and resource competition involving powers like Russia and China.
Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland dates back to his first term, but the latest developments — including the special envoy role — have escalated diplomatic tensions between the NATO allies.
Greenlandic officials have historically welcomed stronger U.S. ties but rejected outright annexation, prioritizing greater autonomy from Denmark.
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