MUNICH – Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen delivered a stark message at the Munich Security Conference: US President Donald Trump’s ambition to acquire Greenland remains undiminished. Speaking on a panel Saturday, she underscored the seriousness of his intentions.
“I believe the US President is very serious about this. He still wants to acquire this island,” Frederiksen stated firmly, addressing the ongoing geopolitical tension. Her comments highlight the persistent friction between the US and Denmark over the vast Arctic territory.
Frederiksen emphasized the need to protect autonomous regions and the right of their people to self-determination. “We must defend autonomous countries. We must defend people’s right to make their own decisions. The people of Greenland have been very clear on one thing: they do not want to become American,” she declared.
In a related development, a US-Denmark-Greenland working group has been established to address American security concerns in the Arctic. This initiative follows months of diplomatic maneuvering. On Friday, Frederiksen noted the formation of the group as a positive step but drew firm boundaries. “Now we have a working group; that’s good. We’ll see if we can find a solution… but of course, there are some red lines that will not be crossed, and we will stick to our strategy.”
The backdrop to these exchanges includes Trump’s recent assurances in Davos last month, where he publicly dismissed the idea of using military force to seize Greenland, easing fears of escalation. Meanwhile, after discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump backed away from threats to impose new tariffs on eight European countries.
Those threats had loomed large: 10% tariffs initially, potentially rising to 25% if the US failed to secure the island. Greenland, the world’s largest island, operates as a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy.
Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly voiced his desire to ‘acquire’ Greenland, sparking widespread opposition across Europe. The island’s strategic position in the Arctic, rich in resources and vital for future security dynamics, fuels the debate. As tensions simmer, Frederiksen’s words serve as a resolute reminder of Denmark’s stance.