Copenhagen, Denmark — Danish leaders have firmly rejected recent assertions by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, emphasizing that the island remains an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
On Thursday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen addressed the media in response to President Trump’s remarks that the United States would “go as far as they have to” to acquire the island.
“Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. That is not going to change,” Frederiksen stated. “Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people,” she added.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen criticized what he called a “false narrative” in U.S. political circles suggesting Greenland is eager to become American. “These claims are baseless and do not reflect the wishes of the Greenlandic or Danish people,” Rasmussen said.
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described Trump’s rhetoric as a “veiled threat” and “deeply inappropriate,” warning that the United States was escalating tensions. “It is the people of Greenland who determine Greenland’s future,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, a demonstration has been planned in front of the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen on Saturday to protest what organizers call “unwanted pressure” from Washington regarding Greenland’s sovereignty.
In a related development, the White House announced on Tuesday that Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, will visit Pituffik Space Base on Friday to meet U.S. troops and review the security situation. Earlier plans for Usha Vance to attend cultural events in Nuuk and Sisimiut, including a dog sled race, have been canceled.
A History of Self-Governance
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 when it became an integral part of Denmark. In 1979, Greenland achieved home rule, gaining greater self-governance while Denmark retained authority over foreign affairs and defense policy.
The island has since been navigating its path toward increased autonomy. The renewed attention from the United States has raised concerns among Greenland’s residents and Danish officials alike.
“Our priority is to respect the wishes and rights of the Greenlandic people,” Prime Minister Frederiksen affirmed. “We will continue to work closely with our allies while safeguarding our sovereignty.”
