Denmark says it will resist any U.S. plans to take Greenland

Denmark’s leaders have issued a firm warning that they will resist renewed pressure from the United States over Greenland.

In a New Year address from her official residence, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made clear that Copenhagen would not yield to what she described as “threats, pressure, and condescending talk” from a close ally. Without naming the United States directly, she condemned the idea that one country could simply take another.

“About wanting to take over another country, another people – as if it were something one could buy and own,” Frederiksen said. “We are not the ones seeking conflict. But let no one be in doubt: no matter what happens, we will stand firm on what is right and wrong.”

Her comments follow Trump’s decision to appoint Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, a move that has alarmed Danish officials. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and Trump has repeatedly argued the US “needs” the island for “national security” reasons because of its Arctic location and mineral potential.

Denmark’s King Frederik X echoed the government’s stance in his own New Year’s Eve speech, referring to “turbulent times” and praising the “strength and pride” of the Greenlandic people. He also pointed to increased military training and preparedness in the Arctic, as Denmark moves to reinforce its presence in the region.

The appointment of Landry, who has openly said he will work to “make Greenland a part of the US,” prompted outrage in Copenhagen. Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen labelled the move “completely unacceptable” and summoned the US ambassador to seek an explanation.

Denmark’s intelligence service has since warned that Washington could pose a potential security risk, accusing the US of using economic pressure, including tariff threats, and no longer ruling out the use of force even against allies.

Image credit: Visit Greenland