Denmark to Trump's Greenland Claims: 'We Will Defend the Kingdom of Denmark'

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has sharply rebuffed U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed assertions of American control over Greenland. Speaking on the second day of the NATO summit in Ankara, Frederiksen declared, "Greenland is of course not for sale."

Greenland, the world's largest island, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but possesses significant political autonomy. "Of course, we will defend the Kingdom of Denmark," Frederiksen stated before a working session of heads of state and government. Trump had asserted upon his arrival in Ankara that the island should be controlled by the United States, not Denmark. Earlier, a senior U.S. official had indicated that acquiring Greenland was seen by the U.S. as the sole method for addressing long-term security risks around the island.

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Greenland is of course not for sale.

This is not the first time Trump has raised the issue. Earlier this year, he openly threatened to acquire the strategically vital Arctic island, which not only displeased NATO ally Denmark but also raised questions about the unity and mutual loyalty within the world's largest military alliance. Trump's justification was that the Danish territory was otherwise vulnerable to Russia and China, and by extension, the U.S.

Although Trump eventually retracted his threats of potentially using military force, as well as his announcement of punitive tariffs against Germany and other European countries if they did not agree to a sale, he maintained his claims on the island. The governments of Denmark and Greenland firmly reject annexation by the U.S. Nevertheless, they have initiated talks with the Trump administration aiming to reach a compromise.

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Of course, we will defend the Kingdom of Denmark.