Fresh diplomatic tensions have erupted between the United States and Denmark after President Donald Trump dismissed the defiant stance of Greenland's political leadership regarding potential US acquisition of the Arctic territory.
'That's Their Problem': Trump Dismisses Greenland's Leader
Responding to a statement from Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who asserted the island would remain with Denmark, President Trump offered a blunt rebuttal. "I disagree with him. I don't know who he is. I don't know anything about him. But, that's going to be a big problem for him," the President stated, sparking immediate concern.
His comments, made on the morning of Wednesday, 14 January 2026, come just hours before a crucial meeting in Washington. The talks are set to involve the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland with US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Tangible Fallout: Danish Tourism to US Plummets
The growing rift between the two long-standing allies is now having a direct and measurable impact. According to the latest figures from the Danish travel industry group Rejs, bookings for trips to the United States by Danish citizens have fallen by 50% in 2025.
Niels Amstrup, director of Rejs, described the drop as unprecedented. "We have never seen this before. It is completely extraordinary. We have never seen such a big drop in a major destination," he told Danish broadcaster DR.
A Firm Rejection from the Arctic
The controversy stems from renewed suggestions by President Trump that the US could seek to acquire Greenland. Residents and political leaders on the vast Arctic island have publicly and firmly rejected the idea, reaffirming their constitutional relationship with the Kingdom of Denmark.
The situation leaves the upcoming high-level talks in Washington shrouded in uncertainty, as officials attempt to navigate the diplomatic fallout from the President's remarks while addressing other key bilateral and global issues.
