U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated expressions of interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security and geopolitical concerns, have prompted strong reactions from Denmark, Greenland, and several European allies. Diplomatic discussions have commenced, while European NATO members have initiated a military deployment to Greenland to affirm sovereignty and enhance Arctic security.
U.S. Position and Rationale
President Donald Trump has reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, for what he describes as U.S. national security and defense purposes. He stated that the U.S. needs Greenland to prevent its acquisition by nations such as Russia or China. President Trump also conveyed that ownership of Greenland would provide benefits not available through a lease or treaty, and suggested it was important for "psychological needed for success."
The White House confirmed that various options for acquiring Greenland, including military force, were under consideration. U.S. Vice President JD Vance emphasized the importance of Greenland for U.S. and global national security due to its role in missile defense infrastructure, suggesting that if European nations do not adequately secure the landmass, the United States may need to take action. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, appointed as a special envoy, referenced historical U.S. defense of Greenland during WWII.
Danish and Greenlandic Response
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that a potential U.S. military action against Greenland, a territory of a NATO member, would result in the termination of the NATO military alliance. Frederiksen underscored the necessity of taking President Trump's intentions seriously and affirmed that Denmark would not accept threats to its or Greenland's sovereignty. She also stated that discussions about the U.S. taking over Greenland made "absolutely no sense."
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen clarified that Greenland's situation differs from that of Venezuela and stated that the United States cannot simply conquer Greenland. He advised constituents to remain calm and unified, expressing a desire for continued cooperation. Greenland's parliamentary parties have affirmed their disinterest in becoming part of the U.S., with Prime Minister Nielsen stating, "We don't want to be Americans, we don't want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders." Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic politician, noted that many Greenlanders find the U.S. remarks disrespectful and emphasized the principle, "Nothing about Greenland, without Greenland," advocating for increased self-determination and independence.
Denmark's Ambassador to the U.S., Jesper Møller Sørensen, highlighted that Greenland has been part of the Kingdom of Denmark for centuries and emphasized the expectation of full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark's defense minister described a potential U.S. attack on Greenland as "completely hypothetical" and "unlikely" between NATO countries.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Engagements
U.S. administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, have met with Danish and Greenlandic officials. While discussions were described as "frank but constructive," a "fundamental disagreement" reportedly persisted regarding the U.S. proposition. The parties agreed to establish a high-level working group to explore potential paths forward.
Several European leaders and officials have expressed support for Denmark and Greenland's sovereignty. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the concept of "the law of the strongest" and noted concerns about the U.S. "gradually turning away from some of its allies and freeing itself from the international rules." Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, affirmed that "Greenland belongs to its people" and assured full support from the European Union. Leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the U.K. have defended Greenland's sovereignty. Canadian and French officials also announced intentions to open consulates in Nuuk, Greenland's capital.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova denied claims made by President Trump regarding Russia's or China's intentions to take over Greenland, criticizing what she called an "erosion of global security."
Allied Military Deployments and Arctic Security
In response to the heightened discussions, several NATO countries have deployed military personnel to Greenland to participate in joint exercises with Denmark, under an initiative reportedly named "Operation Arctic Endurance." An advance contingent of the Danish Armed Forces arrived in Greenland, with Denmark's Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stating the government's commitment to establishing "a more permanent and larger military presence" in and around Greenland.
Military personnel and assets from Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom are involved. French President Emmanuel Macron indicated the initial troop deployment would be augmented by "land, air, and sea assets." Senior French diplomat Olivier Poivre d'Arvor characterized the mission as a strong political signal demonstrating NATO's presence to the U.S. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed shared concerns with President Trump regarding "Russia's growing aggression in the High North" and stated that NATO discussions on reinforcing regional security are ongoing.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that any U.S. military intervention in Greenland would constitute a "political disaster." Residents of Nuuk have expressed concern over the military build-up.
Existing U.S.-Denmark Defense Cooperation
The U.S. Department of Defense operates the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, established under a 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the United States. This base supports missile warning, missile defense, and space surveillance operations for both the U.S. and NATO.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen noted that the 1951 agreement allows for a stronger U.S. military presence if desired. Last year, the Danish parliament approved legislation to allow U.S. military bases on Danish soil, expanding a 2023 military agreement that provided U.S. troops with access to Danish air bases. Denmark also procures American F-35 fighter jets and is strengthening its own military presence in the North Atlantic, including plans for new Arctic naval vessels, long-range surveillance drones, and satellite capacity. Ulrik Pram Gad, a global security expert, previously reported that Russian and Chinese vessels in the Arctic are not within visible range of Greenland, contrary to some U.S. claims.