The United States has expressed renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. This interest, articulated by former US President Donald Trump, has led to diplomatic engagements between US, Danish, and Greenlandic officials, alongside various reactions from European leaders and the wider international community. Discussions have centered on Greenland's sovereignty, its strategic importance in the Arctic, and potential implications for international alliances.
US Interest and Rationale
Former US President Donald Trump has publicly stated his interest in the United States acquiring Greenland, reiterating this position multiple times since 2019. He cited national security as a primary driver, referencing perceived rising Russian and Chinese military activity in the Arctic region. Trump also suggested that US control of Greenland would strengthen NATO and contribute to US missile defense systems, describing anything less than US control as "unacceptable." While acknowledging a preference for a negotiated agreement, he also made comments indicating a willingness to pursue the acquisition "one way or the other," including statements that did not rule out military force. The US administration, through White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, affirmed that acquiring Greenland is a "national security priority" and that "all options are always on the table," though diplomacy is stated as the President's first option. In the past, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry was appointed as a special envoy for the matter, publicly declaring an objective "to make Greenland part of the United States."
Danish and Greenlandic Stance
Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected the idea of an acquisition. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has stated that Greenland is not for sale, describing the idea of the US seizing Greenland as making "absolutely no sense." She affirmed Denmark's readiness "to defend our values – wherever it is necessary – also in the Arctic," emphasizing belief in international law and self-determination. Frederiksen also outlined potential implications for NATO if the United States were to engage militarily with a NATO member country. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated that Denmark has "red lines" regarding sovereignty.
Greenland, which gained home rule in 1979 and has been progressing towards full independence, has explicitly rejected a US takeover. Public opinion polls indicate strong opposition within Greenland to a US acquisition, with a 2025 poll showing approximately 84% support for independence and 6% favoring a US takeover. Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated, "Greenland does not want to be owned by the USA. Greenland does not want to be governed by the USA. Greenland will not be part of the USA." Jess Berthelsen, leader of Greenland's largest labor union, SIK, refuted claims of significant Russian and Chinese military presence in Greenlandic waters, which Trump had cited as a security threat. He affirmed Greenland's autonomous status and stated, "We are not for sale and that we will not be annexed." Greenlandic Minister Vivian Motzfeldt has also been involved in discussions.
Diplomatic Engagements
Danish officials have held discussions with the US ambassador to convey their concerns. More recently, US Vice President JD Vance hosted a meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, at the White House. This meeting was requested by the Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers to facilitate direct dialogue. Following the meeting, Rasmussen noted that a "fundamental disagreement" persisted regarding the territory's future. Rasmussen and Motzfeldt are also scheduled to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss Arctic security.
International Reactions and Alliance Concerns
The US interest in Greenland has generated reactions from various international actors, including expressions of support for Denmark and Greenland.
- European Leaders: Sweden, Germany, Finland, the UK, and France have voiced support for Denmark and Greenland's sovereignty. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned "threatening rhetoric" regarding a takeover, stating it would violate international law. Finnish President Alexander Stubb affirmed that the people of Denmark and Greenland are the rightful decision-makers. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that affecting the sovereignty of an allied country would have "unprecedented" consequences. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed that Greenland belongs to its people and its future is for Denmark and Greenland to decide.
- NATO Implications: Danish officials, including Prime Minister Frederiksen, have warned that military intervention by one NATO member against another could lead to the dissolution of the alliance. The increasing importance of Arctic security for NATO has been highlighted, with Belgium's Minister of Defence Theo Francken suggesting a potential "Arctic Sentry" operation. Denmark's Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced plans for a larger military presence in Greenland in cooperation with other NATO countries and expressed Denmark's intention to seek increased attention from NATO regarding the Arctic. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged the importance of Arctic security for all allies.
- Military Planning: Reports from The Telegraph indicated that military officials from the UK and other European countries were developing plans for a potential NATO mission in Greenland. These plans reportedly could involve deploying UK troops, warships, and aircraft to protect Greenland from Russian and Chinese activity.
- Potential Leverage: Experts have suggested European nations could review support for US military bases or increase associated costs in response to US plans, while also acknowledging risks to NATO's integrity. The EU has also outlined increased support for Greenland, including a new office in Nuuk and proposed doubled financial aid.
Arctic Geopolitical Context and Security
Greenland holds strategic importance due to its geopolitical position in the Arctic, particularly along the GIUK Gap, which is crucial for NATO's monitoring of Russian naval activities. It is also valued for its natural resources, including diamonds, lithium, copper, and rare earth minerals, as well as potential oil and gas reserves. The island's location is also considered relevant for potential northern shipping routes. The United States already operates Pituffik Space Base on the island, a key site for missile defense and space surveillance.
The region has seen increased geopolitical activity. Denmark conducted "Exercise Arctic Light" in Greenland in October, aimed at deterring perceived military threats from Russia and China. Danish military officials anticipate Russia may reallocate resources to the Arctic after its conflict in Ukraine. China has expanded its activities in the Arctic, participating in patrols and exercises with Russian vessels, funding infrastructure projects, and developing a "polar silk road," having designated itself as a "near-Arctic state."
Major General Søren Andersen, Chief of Denmark's Joint Arctic Command, stated that no significant military threat to Greenland is currently apparent. Danish military officials also assert that Greenland's extensive landmass, challenging weather conditions, mountainous terrain, and limited infrastructure render its eastern coast notably difficult to conquer. Unofficially, Danish military personnel indicated that maneuvers were also designed to communicate Denmark's commitment to Greenland's security in response to US acquisition interest. Denmark has increased its Arctic security spending by $13.7 billion.