Denmarkās Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has firmly advised former U.S. President Donald Trump to stop making 'threats' about acquiring Greenland. Frederiksen emphasized that it is unreasonable to discuss any need for the United States to annex Greenland, noting that the U.S. has no authority to take over any nation within the Danish kingdom. Her comments were prompted by a tweet from Katie Miller, the wife of Trump aide Stephen Miller, which depicted a map of Greenland covered in the American flag, captioned with the word 'SOON'.
Trump has previously suggested the idea of Greenland becoming part of the U.S., citing its strategic location and mineral wealth, and reiterated his stance after Frederiksenās comments.
Frederiksen addressed the U.S. directly in a statement on the Danish government website, highlighting Denmark and Greenland's membership in NATO and its existing defense agreement with the U.S. that grants access to Greenland. She stressed Denmark's increased investment in Arctic security and urged the U.S. to cease threats against close allies and sovereign peoples who reject the idea of being sold. Shortly after, Trump repeated his intention from Air Force One, stating the necessity of acquiring Greenland for national security purposes.
Denmark's ambassador to the U.S. responded to Miller's tweet with a 'friendly reminder' of the existing alliance between the two countries, emphasizing the need for respect towards Denmark's territorial integrity.
This interaction follows a recent significant military operation by the U.S. in Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and taken to New York. Trump previously mentioned that the U.S. would manage Venezuela, allowing U.S. oil firms to profit. Trump has not ruled out using force to secure Greenland, claiming it holds strategic importance for U.S. security interests due to its location and rich mineral resources. The Trump administration's decision to appoint a special envoy to Greenland has sparked discontent in Denmark. Greenland, home to 57,000 people, has maintained self-governance since 1979, though Denmark handles its foreign and defense policies. Despite some Greenlanders supporting eventual independence from Denmark, polls indicate strong opposition to becoming part of the U.S.