COPENHAGEN, Denmark — International leaders have united in condemnation following President Donald Trump’s renewed assertions regarding United States territorial ambitions toward Greenland. The autonomous Danish territory’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a forceful rebuke via social media, stating: “That’s enough now. No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation.”
The controversy emerged during President Trump’s comments to journalists aboard Air Force One on Sunday, where he articulated strategic motivations behind potential acquisition of the mineral-rich Arctic territory. “We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it,” Trump stated, referencing the island’s geopolitical significance amid changing Arctic conditions.
Greenland possesses substantial untapped reserves of rare earth minerals and occupies a critical position along emerging shipping routes as polar ice recedes. Additionally, the territory lies along the shortest missile trajectory between Russia and the United States, hosting an existing American military installation at Thule Air Base.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen joined the growing diplomatic pushback, urging the United States to cease threatening rhetoric toward its traditional ally. By Monday, multiple European nations and the European Union had expressed solidarity with Copenhagen’s position.
Prime Minister Nielsen emphasized Greenland’s openness to diplomatic engagement while insisting on proper channels: “We are open to dialogue. We are open to discussions. But this must happen through the proper channels and with respect for international law.”
The administration’s renewed interest in Greenland follows heightened military involvement in Venezuela, raising concerns about expanded territorial ambitions. President Trump indicated forthcoming attention to the matter, noting “We’ll worry about Greenland in about two months” and suggesting more immediate discussion within “20 days.”