The United States administration, under President Donald Trump, has reaffirmed its interest in acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, citing national security as a primary justification. This pursuit has led to diplomatic tensions, with Denmark and Greenland consistently rejecting any proposals for acquisition, and several European allies expressing support for Denmark's position. The situation has recently escalated with the US imposing tariffs on multiple European nations.
US Stance and Justification
Since 2019, the US administration has discussed various options for acquiring Greenland, including outright purchase, a Compact of Free Association, and military utilization. White House officials have stated that acquiring Greenland is considered a "national security priority," with President Trump citing concerns about increasing activities by "common adversaries" such as Russia and China in the Arctic region. He has also highlighted Greenland's importance for a proposed "Golden Dome" air and missile defense system.
President Trump has expressed a preference for a negotiated agreement, referring to it as "the easy way," but has also indicated readiness for "the hard way" if a deal is not reached, implying alternative measures or the use of force. He stated that the US needs to "own" Greenland for defense, rejecting lease agreements as insufficient.
In a recent escalation, President Trump announced a 10% tariff on goods from eight European allies—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—effective February 1. These tariffs, which could increase to 25%, are stated to remain in place until an agreement for the "Complete and Total purchase of Greenland" is reached. The President suggested this tariff strategy, previously used for drug price policies, could also be applied to the Greenland issue.
Danish and Greenlandic Opposition
Both Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected the prospect of acquisition. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the US interest as making "absolutely no sense" and warned that any US military action against Greenland would signify the end of NATO. She characterized the diplomatic situation as a "decisive moment" and stated that a "conflict over Greenland" exists.
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has advocated for "respectful dialogue" that recognizes Greenland's status under international law and territorial integrity. He explicitly stated, "We choose Denmark. We choose NATO. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU." Greenland's Minister for Business and Mineral Resources, Naaja Nathanielsen, described the US discussions as "unfathomable" and emphasized that Greenlanders should have a say in their future, noting that public opinion polls indicate strong opposition to a US takeover, with some reports citing 85% opposition among Greenlanders.
International and European Reactions
Several European allies, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain, along with Denmark, issued a joint declaration supporting Denmark's position. They emphasized that "Greenland belongs to its people" and that decisions concerning its relations rest solely with Denmark and Greenland. These nations underscored the importance of Arctic security through collective efforts of NATO allies and adherence to UN Charter principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders.
Following the US tariff announcement, European leaders condemned the move. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it "completely wrong," and French President Emmanuel Macron described it as "unacceptable." Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated, "We won't let ourselves be blackmailed." The European Council President Antonio Costa affirmed the EU's commitment to defending international law.
In response to the US rhetoric, Denmark announced plans to allocate 88 billion Danish kroner (approximately $13.8 billion) towards rearming Greenland and to expand its military presence in collaboration with allies. Several European NATO allies, including Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and a British officer, have deployed limited numbers of military personnel to Greenland at Denmark's request, with the aim of establishing a "larger and more permanent" NATO presence on the island. The White House, however, indicated that these deployments would not influence President Trump's objective of acquiring Greenland.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has declined to comment directly on the dispute, focusing instead on ensuring alliance issues are resolved and providing security in the Arctic region, which includes Greenland.
Strategic Importance and Existing US Presence
Greenland holds strategic value due to its geographical location between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic, offering potential military advantages for missile early-warning systems and vessel tracking. The island is also rich in natural resources, including rare earth elements, uranium, iron, and potential oil and gas reserves, which are becoming more accessible as Arctic ice melts.
The US currently maintains a military presence at Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) in northwestern Greenland, operational since World War II. This base, staffed by approximately 100-200 US military personnel, supports missile warning, missile defense, and space surveillance operations for both the US and NATO. Existing agreements with Denmark allow the US to deploy additional troops as needed.
Assertions by President Trump regarding a heavy presence of Russian and Chinese ships near Greenland have been contradicted by vessel tracking data and some experts. Professor Andreas Østhagen of Norway's Fridtjof Nansen Institute dismissed the asserted threat as "insignificant," noting that Greenland is not under greater threat from Russia than other Arctic regions.
Diplomatic Engagements and Protests
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice-President JD Vance have been involved in diplomatic discussions with Danish and Greenlandic officials. A meeting between Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, and US Vice-President Vance and Secretary Rubio did not result in a major breakthrough regarding acquisition. However, all sides agreed to establish a high-level working group to discuss the future of the autonomous territory. Denmark and Greenland indicated openness to increased cooperation and the possibility of more US military bases, while also drawing "red lines" on acquisition.
A bipartisan delegation of 11 members from the US Congress visited Denmark to meet with Danish and Greenlandic premiers, aiming to demonstrate support for Denmark and de-escalate the situation. Legislation has been introduced in the US Congress both to prevent the use of force for acquisition and to support annexation.
Thousands of protesters have demonstrated in Denmark and Greenland, carrying banners such as "Greenland is not for sale" and "Hands off Greenland," emphasizing Greenland's right to self-determination.