Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued a forceful rebuke of recent U.S. territorial claims over Greenland, declaring on January 5 that Washington "has no right to annex" any part of the Danish Realm. The statement comes amid heightened tensions following former U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed push to gain control of the Arctic territory.
"The United States must stop threatening a historically close ally and another people who've made clear they're not for sale," Frederiksen emphasized, referencing Greenland's 1953 integration into the Danish Kingdom. The Nordic leader highlighted existing defense cooperation through NATO and bilateral agreements that already grant U.S. military access to Greenland's strategic locations.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide joined the diplomatic chorus, affirming European solidarity with Denmark. "Sovereignty matters in the Arctic," Eide stated, "and constitutional changes within the Danish Realm remain exclusively for its people to decide."
The controversy follows Trump's January 2025 appointment of a special envoy to Greenland and his recent remarks about the territory's geopolitical importance. Analysts note this marks the third time since returning to office that Trump has floated expansionist policies toward Greenland, despite local opposition.
With 87% of Greenland's 56,000 residents rejecting independence in a 2025 referendum, regional experts suggest the current dispute highlights growing Arctic governance challenges as climate change opens new shipping routes and resource opportunities.
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Danish PM: U.S. has no right to annex Greenland, should end threats
cgtn.com