Greenland minister calls for “serious dialogue” with US amid Trump’s threats

Greenland’s Minister for Business, Natural Resources, Energy, Justice, and Gender Equality, Naaja Nathanielsen, has called for a “serious dialogue” with the United States amid President Donald Trump’s threats against the island.

In an article for the American newspaper The New York Times,  Nathanielsen said Greenland’s residents are deeply worried about the potential consequences of these threats and insist that their decision to remain part of the Kingdom of Denmark must be respected, Caliber.Az reports 

"There is a lot of common ground and a lot of aligned ambitions. We insist only that the country we call home is unharmed and that our decision to remain in the Kingdom of Denmark is respected. We want nothing more than to return to our everyday lives and tasks that focus on developing Greenland in a peaceful manner," the minister emphasised. 

In January 2026, relations between Greenland, Denmark, and the United States escalated sharply over President Donald Trump’s threats to bring Greenland under U.S. control, including by force. The dispute has become one of the most serious diplomatic crises between Washington and its European allies in decades.

Trump argued that Greenland’s strategic location and natural resources make it “essential” for U.S. security, especially against Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, and insisted the island must be acquired “one way or the other,” even if Denmark objects.

Greenland’s government and parliament rejected any suggestion of a sale or takeover, calling it unacceptable under international law and reaffirming that Greenland will remain part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Leaders also moved to strengthen domestic unity through political debate and parliamentary sessions.

The dispute sparked protests in Copenhagen and Nuuk, with thousands demonstrating under the slogan “Hands off Greenland.”

Trump also threatened tariffs—starting at 10% in February and rising to 25% in June—on European countries opposing U.S. control, alarming NATO allies and heightening transatlantic tensions.

European governments responded with coordinated diplomatic pressure, emergency meetings, and preparations to use the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument, warning that economic coercion over Greenland risks a “dangerous downward spiral” in U.S.–Europe relations.

By Khagan Isayev