Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen used her 2026 New Year's address to deliver a pointed rebuke of geopolitical pressure over Greenland, implicitly criticizing the United States for what she called "condescending talk" and attempts to treat the Arctic territory as a commodity.
Speaking from her official residence on January 1, Frederiksen addressed renewed diplomatic friction stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump's December 2025 appointment of a special envoy to Greenland. While not explicitly naming Washington, she described the pressure as coming from Denmark's "closest ally through a lifetime," emphasizing that "no one should be in doubt" about Copenhagen's resolve to protect its interests.
The prime minister condemned what she characterized as an outdated colonial mindset: "The idea that one can simply take over another country and people – as if they were something to be bought and owned – belongs to another era." Her remarks follow Trump's repeated expressions of interest in acquiring Greenland since taking office in January 2025, including recent suggestions about using "military or economic coercion."
Analysts suggest the speech reflects growing Arctic tensions as climate change opens new shipping routes and resource opportunities. Frederiksen balanced her geopolitical warnings with domestic policy priorities, reaffirming Denmark's commitment to social welfare reforms while positioning the nation as a responsible international actor.
