Greenland’s Prime Minister Affirms Commitment to Denmark Over United States

Greenland Prime Minister Firmly Sides with Denmark Amid U.S. Acquisition Talks

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen made a definitive declaration on Tuesday regarding his territory’s allegiance, stating “we choose Denmark” if forced to decide between remaining under Danish governance or becoming part of the United States.

The statement came during a joint press conference in Copenhagen alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, according to Reuters. Nielsen emphasized the unity between the two nations, adding, “We face a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the U.S. and Denmark here and now then we choose Denmark. We stand united in the Kingdom of Denmark.”

This public declaration of loyalty comes at a critical diplomatic moment. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen confirmed that he and Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt are scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Wednesday to address the escalating situation.

“Our reason for seeking the meeting we have now been given was to move this whole discussion, which has not become less tense since we last met, into a meeting room where we can look each other in the eye and talk about these things,” Rasmussen explained.

The diplomatic tension stems from renewed interest by President Donald Trump in acquiring the resource-rich Arctic territory. On Sunday, while speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump argued that the U.S. must fully acquire – not lease – Greenland, claiming the territory lacks adequate defenses.

“Greenland should make the deal because Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over,” Trump stated. He controversially characterized Greenland’s current defense capabilities as “two dog sleds,” adding, “If we don’t do it, Russia or China will, and that’s not going to happen when I’m president.”

The president’s comments highlight his administration’s growing focus on Arctic security and resources. Greenland, the world’s largest island, holds strategic importance due to its location and vast mineral deposits, including rare earth elements critical for technology manufacturing. The island is also home to Thule Air Base, America’s northernmost military installation and a vital component of U.S. early warning systems.

This isn’t the first time Trump has expressed interest in purchasing Greenland. During his previous administration in 2019, similar overtures were firmly rejected by both Greenland and Denmark, with Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen calling the idea “absurd” at the time.

The renewed American interest comes amid increasing geopolitical competition in the Arctic region. Climate change has accelerated ice melt, potentially opening new shipping routes and access to previously unreachable natural resources. Russia has expanded its military presence in the Arctic, while China has declared itself a “near-Arctic state” and invested in research stations and infrastructure projects in Greenland.

For Denmark, maintaining sovereignty over Greenland represents both a strategic priority and a matter of national identity. The Danish military maintains a presence on the island, conducting regular patrols and exercises to assert control over the territory.

Greenland, while under Danish sovereignty, maintains substantial autonomy through its self-government arrangement established in 2009. The territory of 57,000 people manages its domestic affairs while Denmark handles defense and foreign policy. Greenlandic leaders have increasingly sought greater independence, though economic realities have kept the territory dependent on Danish subsidies.

As Wednesday’s high-level diplomatic meeting approaches, the international community is watching closely. NATO allies are particularly concerned about the implications for alliance cohesion, as Denmark is a founding member of NATO, and Greenland’s strategic location is vital to North Atlantic security arrangements.

Whatever the outcome, the renewed focus on Greenland underscores the territory’s growing importance in global geopolitics as Arctic resources and shipping lanes become increasingly accessible in the coming decades.