Previously, the US president appointed a special envoy, insisting that Washington “needs” the island for “national security”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen gave a defiant speech, promising to resist the renewed pressure from the United States to acquire Greenland. King Frederik X expressed the same sentiment in his own New Year’s Eve address.
These statements came weeks after President Donald Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland – an island under Danish sovereignty. The American leader had previously suggested that it should become part of the United States.
Speaking from her official residence on Thursday, Frederiksen criticized what she called “threats, pressure, and condescending talk” from a “closest ally.” Without directly naming the US, she condemned the idea of acquiring another nation as an outdated and unacceptable view of the world.
“Regarding the desire to take over another country, another people – as if it were something one could purchase and possess,” Frederiksen said. “We are not the ones looking for conflict. But let no one have any doubts: No matter what occurs, we will firmly uphold what is right and wrong.”
King Frederik X mentioned “turbulent times” in his New Year’s Eve address, commending the Greenlanders’ “strength and pride” and highlighting the increased military training programs in the Arctic. Denmark has been strengthening its military presence in the region in response to the escalating tensions.
The renewed effort to obtain Greenland follows Trump’s repeated expressions of interest in gaining control of the strategically located island, citing “national security” concerns. At a press conference in December, Trump argued that the US “needs” Greenland, referring to its Arctic location and potential mineral resources, despite recognizing Denmark’s historical claims.
The appointment of Landry, who has publicly stated that he will work to “make Greenland a part of the US,” has caused outrage in Copenhagen. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has described the move as “completely unacceptable” and summoned the US ambassador for an explanation.
Denmark’s intelligence service recently identified the US as a potential threat to its national security, stating that Washington “uses economic power, including in the form of threats of high tariffs, to enforce its will and no longer rules out the use of military force even against allies.”