Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected Donald Trump’s public desire to buy Greenland, stating that the island’s future should be decided solely by its people. The Danish leader’s remarks come after the U.S. president-elect reignited his controversial interest in the mineral-rich Arctic territory, even hinting at military force as a means to achieve his ambitions.
A Diplomatic Showdown
Frederiksen, speaking after a 45-minute phone call with Trump, reiterated Greenland’s sovereignty and supported Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede’s declaration that “Greenland is not for sale.” According to a press release from Frederiksen’s office, she told Trump that Denmark stands firm in its support for Greenland’s autonomy and will not entertain any proposal to cede the territory.
“The conversation confirmed that there is great American interest in Greenland,” Frederiksen said during an interview with Denmark’s TV2. Despite her reassurances, she acknowledged that the discussion left the matter unresolved, with both sides agreeing to continue dialogue.
Trump’s Arctic Ambitions
Trump’s fascination with Greenland is no secret. In recent weeks, he has reignited his 2019 campaign to purchase the territory, a proposal that was widely mocked at the time. However, his recent statements have taken a sharper tone, with the president-elect refusing to rule out the use of military force to acquire the island.
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump reposted a 2019 poll on social media showing that 68% of Greenlanders support independence from Denmark. While the poll highlights Greenland’s longstanding aspirations for greater autonomy, Frederiksen emphasized that these decisions rest solely with the Greenlandic people.
Arctic Security and Geopolitical Tensions
The phone call between Frederiksen and Trump wasn’t solely about Greenland’s future. The Danish premier took the opportunity to stress the importance of strengthening Arctic security, as the region becomes a flashpoint in global geopolitics. She reminded Trump of the strong trade ties between Denmark, the EU, and the United States, and underscored the need for cooperation in addressing shared challenges.
Their conversation also touched on pressing global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and growing tensions with China. Frederiksen’s comments reflect Denmark’s concerns over increased militarization in the Arctic, as both the U.S. and China vie for influence in the resource-rich region.
What’s Next for Greenland?
While Trump has not publicly commented on his call with Frederiksen, his renewed interest in Greenland underscores its growing strategic importance. The Arctic territory boasts vast reserves of untapped minerals, including rare earth elements critical to modern technology, making it a prized asset in an era of global competition.
Greenland’s leadership, however, remains steadfast. Prime Minister Egede has made it clear that the island is not on the market, and Frederiksen’s strong stance reinforces Denmark’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty.
A Balancing Act
Frederiksen’s firm yet diplomatic response reflects Denmark’s balancing act between asserting its sovereignty and maintaining strong ties with the United States. As Trump prepares to take office, the Greenland issue is likely to remain a contentious point in U.S.-Danish relations, further complicated by the Arctic’s increasing geopolitical significance.
For now, Frederiksen’s message is clear: Greenland’s future lies in its own hands—and it’s not for sale.