Danish PM Reaffirms Greenland's Autonomy
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the "U.S. should not take over Greenland" during a three-day visit to the semi-autonomous territory, aimed at strengthening ties with local leaders. Her trip follows heightened U.S. interest in the resource-rich Arctic island, which has grown increasingly strategic due to climate change.
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized Greenland’s importance to American security, and recent visits by U.S. officials—including Vice President JD Vance—have fueled speculation about Washington’s intentions. Last week, Vance criticized Denmark for what he called insufficient investment in Greenland during a stop at a U.S. air base on the island.
Greenland’s Leadership Stands Firm
Upon arrival, Frederiksen stressed her commitment to supporting Greenland, calling it a "wonderful country" and pledging to "do everything I possibly can" to assist it. Her itinerary includes meetings with Greenland’s newly elected leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and the incoming Cabinet (Naalakkersuisut).
Nielsen, who has welcomed Frederiksen’s visit, has been vocal in rejecting any U.S. annexation efforts. In a recent Facebook post, he asserted Greenland’s sovereignty, writing: "President Trump says the United States is ‘getting Greenland.’ Let me make this clear: The U.S. is not getting that. We don’t belong to anyone else. We decide our own future."
Frederiksen echoed this sentiment, praising Greenland’s handling of external pressures. "It has my deepest respect how the Greenlandic people and the Greenlandic politicians handle the great pressure that is on Greenland," she said in a government statement.
Discussions during her visit will focus on bilateral cooperation, with both sides seeking to reinforce Greenland’s autonomy amid geopolitical tensions. Nielsen has called for a response grounded in "peace, dignity, and unity" to counter U.S. overtures.
The trip underscores Denmark’s support for Greenland’s self-determination as global powers vie for influence in the rapidly changing Arctic region.