Danish PM urges Trump to stop 'threats' against Greenland

Photo: Pascal Bastien / AP

Denmark's Prime Minister has urged Donald Trump to "stop threats" about seizing Greenland, writes the BBC.

Mette Frederiksen stated that "there is absolutely no sense in talking about the United States needing to seize Greenland," adding: "The US has no right whatsoever to annex any of the three nations within the Danish Realm."

Her words came after Katie Miller — the wife of one of Trump's aides, Stephen Miller — posted a map of Greenland colored in the American flag's hues with the word "SOON" on social media.

Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of Greenland becoming an annexed part of the US, citing its strategic location and mineral resources, and doubled down on his statements after Frederiksen's comments.

In a statement published on the Danish government's website, Frederiksen said she was addressing the US "very directly."

She noted that Denmark — "and therefore Greenland" — is a member of NATO and is protected by the alliance's security guarantees. According to her, Denmark already has a defense agreement with the US, which gives America access to Greenland, and has increased investments in security in the Arctic region.

"Therefore, I strongly urge the United States to stop threatening a historically close ally and another country and another people who have very clearly stated that they are not for sale," she said.

Hours later aboard Air Force One, Trump reiterated his goal. "We need Greenland from a national security standpoint, and Denmark won't be able to handle it," he stated.

Earlier, the Danish ambassador to the US responded to Ms. Miller — a right-wing podcaster and former aide to Trump during his first term — with a "friendly reminder" that the two countries are allies and noted that Denmark expects respect for its territorial integrity.

This exchange of statements occurred after the US on Saturday conducted a large-scale military operation against Venezuela, capturing its president Nicolas Maduro and his wife and delivering them to New York.

Later, Trump stated that the US would "manage" Venezuela, and American oil companies would "start making money for the country."

Earlier, the US president refused to rule out the possibility of using force to establish control over Greenland — a vast island in the Arctic.

Trump argued that its incorporation into the United States would serve US security interests due to its strategic location and rich deposits of minerals vital for high-tech industries.

The Trump administration's recent decision to appoint a special envoy for Greenland caused outrage in Denmark.

Greenland, with a population of about 57,000, has enjoyed extensive autonomy since 1979, although defense and foreign policy remain in Denmark's hands.

While most Greenlanders advocate for future independence from Denmark, public opinion polls show overwhelming opposition to the idea of becoming part of the United States.

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