Denmark has issued a stark warning to Donald Trump over Greenland, insisting it will “respond” if its sovereignty is threatened, as tensions simmer between Copenhagen and Washington over the strategically vital Arctic territory.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said her government was engaged in ongoing discussions with the United States aimed at finding what she described as a “viable solution” to the dispute, but made clear that no outcome involving the transfer of territory was on the table.
“I am not seeking a conflict with the United States, but if someone threatens us, we will respond,” she told Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, signalling one of the most forceful public rebukes yet from a NATO ally to Washington over the issue.
Mr Trump has repeatedly suggested that Greenland — an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark — should come under US control, arguing it is of critical importance to American national security and Arctic strategy. The comments have triggered alarm in Copenhagen and among European allies, who view the island as an integral part of Danish sovereign territory.
Ms Frederiksen confirmed that a high-level working group had been established between Danish and US officials to continue discussions, but stressed that Denmark’s political and legal position had not shifted.
“Following US threats about taking control of Greenland, all European allies expressed support for Denmark and pledged to act similarly if such a situation were to arise,” she said, framing the issue as one with wider implications for European security and NATO cohesion.
The Danish prime minister also sought to push back on the idea that Greenland’s future could be influenced by external pressure or economic leverage. She said the island’s population could not have its loyalty “bought”, emphasising that Greenlanders retain the right to determine their own constitutional future within the framework of existing agreements.
Her remarks reflect growing unease in European capitals about rhetoric emanating from Washington, particularly as NATO increases its activity in the Arctic region amid heightened strategic competition with Russia and China.
Ms Frederiksen said the alliance’s expanded presence in and around Greenland was already altering the security calculus in the High North, suggesting that greater NATO engagement could help “put an end to the debate” over the island’s status.
The comments come after Mr Trump shared a series of posts on his Truth Social platform referencing Greenland, including imagery portraying himself in exaggerated, meme-like depictions of the territory — a spectacle that has further unsettled officials in Copenhagen already wary of escalating rhetoric.
Greenland, which maintains broad self-rule while remaining part of the Danish realm, has long been viewed as strategically significant due to its location between North America and Europe and its proximity to key Arctic shipping routes and military approaches.
While Washington and Copenhagen continue formal dialogue, Ms Frederiksen’s remarks underline that Denmark is preparing to take a firmer stance should political pressure intensify.
For now, officials insist the channels of communication remain open. But the Danish prime minister’s language suggests that, behind the diplomatic process, Copenhagen is preparing for the possibility that the dispute over Greenland may become a more serious transatlantic flashpoint.
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