Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has asserted that while Greenland is not available for purchase, the United States may enhance its presence in and around the island to address valid security concerns.
For several weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump has emphasized the necessity of controlling Greenland for the United States. He has even suggested the possibility of invading the island to annex it. Although some of his supporters have attempted to minimize these threats, both he and his allies have intensified their rhetoric in recent days. Vice President JD Vance has criticized Denmark as an unreliable ally, asserting that Trump is indifferent to European opinions regarding Greenland.
Greenland is among the various targets of Trump’s expanding agenda. He has also threatened to invade Panama to take control of the Panama Canal and has expressed intentions to incorporate Canada as a state within the United States.
During a meeting of the European Union (EU) in Brussels, Frederiksen stated on Monday that while legitimate security concerns regarding Greenland and the Arctic can be addressed, the acquisition of the island is not an option.
Frederiksen seems to be attempting to find a compromise to resolve a crisis instigated by Trump, which is testing the enduring Transatlantic partnership. Her reference to security concerns arises as some individuals within Trump’s circle have claimed that his rhetoric regarding Greenland is based on genuine security issues, such as the increasing influence of Russia and China in the region and its surrounding waters.
I concur with the American perspective regarding the significance of the Arctic region.
In a demonstration of Denmark’s willingness to accommodate a greater U.S. presence in and around Greenland, Prime Minister Frederiksen expressed her alignment with American security concerns and her dedication to addressing these issues.
“I fully support the American viewpoint that the High North, specifically the Arctic region, is increasingly vital in discussions surrounding defense, security, and deterrence. We can explore avenues to establish a more substantial presence in Greenland,” Frederiksen stated, as reported by The Daily Telegraph.
While she emphasized that Greenland is “not for sale,” Frederiksen indicated a readiness to consider an expanded U.S. military presence on the island, later commenting that the United States “can have more opportunities.”
Frederiksen added, “If this is about safeguarding our region, we can identify a path forward.”
The United States operates a military installation in Greenland known as Pituffik Space Base, managed by the U.S. Space Force. This base, the northernmost U.S. military facility, is involved in missile warning, missile defense, and space surveillance operations, and it features a solid-state phased-array radar. Despite being covered in snow for nine months of the year, the base maintains a year-round operational runway.
On Sunday, U.S. Vice President Vance criticized Denmark for allegedly being a poor ally and not contributing sufficiently to the island’s security.
Highlighting the growing influence of Russia and China in the region, Vance asserted that Denmark was “not fulfilling its responsibilities and is not being a good ally.”
In response to Vance’s comments, albeit without naming him, Frederiksen dismissed the criticism, stating that Danish soldiers have stood alongside the United States for many years.
“We have fought alongside the Americans for many decades. I will not accept the idea that Denmark is a poor ally. We are not, we have not been, and we will not be in the future,” Frederiksen affirmed.
