Greenland's political leader has issued a forceful and direct condemnation of Donald Trump, demanding the US President abandon what he termed "fantasies about annexation" of the vast Arctic island.
A Stark Rebuke from Nuuk
In a strongly-worded statement released on social media, the Greenlandic Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who took office in April 2025, described recent US rhetoric as "completely and utterly unacceptable". His intervention came after Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, reiterated that the United States needs Greenland "very badly" for national security, mocking Danish defence capabilities.
"Threats, pressure and talk of annexation have no place between friends," Nielsen declared. "That is not how you speak to a people who have shown responsibility, stability and loyalty time and again. Enough is enough. No more pressure. No more innuendo. No more fantasies about annexation."
He emphasised that while Greenland remains open to dialogue, any discussions must be conducted through proper diplomatic channels and in accordance with international law, "not random and disrespectful posts on social media". Nielsen concluded with a definitive statement on Greenland's sovereignty: "Greenland is our home and our territory. And that is how it will remain."
Renewed Fears After Venezuela Operation
Trump's latest comments have renewed significant fears in the Nordic region about potential US military action. These concerns are amplified by the President's recent successful military operation in Venezuela to capture its leader, Nicolás Maduro. When asked directly if he expected to take action regarding Greenland, Trump refused to answer, saying only that he would revisit the subject "in 20 days".
He justified his interest by claiming, "Right now, Greenland is full of Chinese and Russian ships everywhere. We need Greenland for national security reasons. Denmark will not be able to handle the task." This perspective aligns with a broader and increasingly tense struggle for influence and resources in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to valuable minerals, drawing in global superpowers like the US, China, and Russia.
Nordic Solidarity Against US Pressure
The government in Copenhagen, which controls Greenland's foreign and security policy, was swift to reject Trump's assertions. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated on Sunday that it "makes absolutely no sense to talk about the US needing to take over Greenland", adding firmly that the US has "no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish kingdom".
This stance has been met with firm support from Denmark's Nordic neighbours. Sweden, Norway, and Finland have all publicly backed Copenhagen. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson affirmed, "Only Denmark and Greenland have the right to decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland. Sweden fully supports our neighbouring country."
The row occurs against a backdrop of growing Danish concern over US tactics. Last month, Danish intelligence services accused the United States of using its economic might to "assert its will" and even threatening military force against its allies. The clear message from the Nordic capitals is one of unity and a rejection of coercive diplomacy, setting the stage for a potentially significant diplomatic clash with the Trump administration.
