Denmark Tells Trump to Halt Greenland Takeover Threats
05th Jan. 2026
Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, has sharply rebuked US president Donald Trump. He urged him to “stop the threats” over Greenland and to reject any suggestion that the vast Arctic territory could be taken over by the United States.
Speaking through a statement published on the Danish government’s website, Frederiksen said it “makes absolutely no sense to talk about the need for the United States to take over Greenland.” he further stressed that “the US has no right to annex any of the three nations in the Danish kingdom.” Her comments came after Trump again raised the prospect of Greenland becoming part of the US that citing national security and mineral resources.
The row escalated after Katie Miller, a right-wing podcaster and the wife of Trump aide Stephen Miller, posted a map of Greenland colored like the American flag with the word “SOON” on social media. Danish officials responded swiftly and warned that such remarks damage trust between allies.
Denmark Stand Firms against the US over Greenland
Frederiksen said she was addressing Washington “very directly”, while also underlining that Denmark, and therefore Greenland, is a NATO member that is protected by the alliance’s collective defence guarantee. Moreover, she noted that Copenhagen already has a defense agreement with the US that grants it access to Greenland. On the same side, Denmark has also increased security investment in the Arctic region.
“I would therefore strongly urge the United States to stop the threats against a historically close ally and against another country and another people who have very clearly said that they are not for sale,” she said. Meanwhile, the Danish ambassador to the US issued what he described as a “friendly reminder” that the two nations are allies. He further added that Denmark expects respect for its territorial integrity.
Trump reiterates claims as tensions widen between US and Denmark
However, hours later aboard Air Force One, Trump doubled down on his position. “We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it,” he said.
The exchange comes amid heightened international concern following a major US military operation against Venezuela. The incident in which President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and taken to New York by the US military. Trump later said the US would “run” Venezuela and that American oil companies would “start making money for the country.”
Greenland, home to around 57,000 people, has enjoyed extensive self-rule since 1979. Its defence and foreign policy, however, continue to be managed by Denmark. While many Greenlanders support eventual independence, opinion polls also consistently show strong opposition to becoming part of the United States.
Web Resources on the US-Greenland Dispute
1. TheGuardian.com: US ‘has no right’ to take over Greenland, Danish PM
2. ABC.com: Denmark’s PM urges Trump to ‘stop the threats’ of annexing Greenland
3. X.com: Post of Katie Miller
3. TruthSocial.com: Post of Donald Trump