Greenland “not for sale,” Danish, Greenlandic leaders tell United States

Denmark and Greenland have issued strong objections to recent statements by US President Donald Trump suggesting that the United States should take control of Greenland, stressing that such ideas are incompatible with international law, alliance relations, and mutual respect.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen wrote in a Facebook post that the United States had no legal basis to annex Greenland, emphasising that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a sovereign NATO member state, Caliber.Az reports.

She noted that NATO’s collective security guarantee already applies to Greenland and highlighted the existing defence agreement between Denmark and the United States, which grants Washington extensive access to the island. Frederiksen also pointed out that Denmark has made significant investments in Arctic security and urged the United States to stop issuing threats toward what she described as a historically close ally. She stressed that Greenland and its people have clearly stated that the territory is not for sale.

Greenland’s Premier, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, also criticised Trump’s remarks, particularly comparisons linking Greenland to Venezuela and references to possible military intervention.

Nielsen said such statements were incorrect and disrespectful, and warned that they undermine the trust on which alliances are built. He emphasised that threats, pressure, and talk of annexation have no place between partners and said Greenlanders have consistently demonstrated responsibility, stability, and loyalty. He concluded that such rhetoric was unacceptable.

The reactions follow a decision by President Trump in late December to appoint Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the United States Special Envoy to Greenland. Trump has repeatedly argued that US control over Greenland is necessary for national security reasons.

Folloiwng the US strikes on Venezuela on January 3, the abduction of its leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Trump once again reiterated his long-standing call for Greenland to become part of the United States.

When asked what the US military action in Venezuela signaled for Greenland, Trump said: “They are going to have to view it themselves. I really don’t know.” He added that the United States absolutely needs Greenland for defence purposes.

By Sabina Mammadli