Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen used the Munich Security Conference platform to reiterate a familiar concern: President Donald Trump’s unyielding interest in Greenland endures.
During Saturday’s panel, she remarked, “The US President remains very serious on this front. He continues to desire this island.” The statement revives a controversy that has defined transatlantic relations since Trump’s 2025 return.
Frederiksen passionately advocated for autonomy, declaring, “Protecting self-governing territories and individuals’ decision-making rights is essential. Greenlanders have spoken loudly and clearly: American citizenship is not on their agenda.”
A new US-Denmark-Greenland task force addresses American Arctic security priorities, marking a diplomatic overture. She had signaled optimism tempered by resolve on Friday: “The working group is a good development. Solutions may emerge, yet red lines persist, and we’ll adhere to our plan.”
Trump’s recent Davos comments disavowing armed takeover quelled speculation on weapons buildup. In parallel, post-NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte talks, he dropped threats of 10-25% tariffs on eight European countries tied to Greenland negotiations.
The world’s largest island functions autonomously within Denmark’s realm, subject to Copenhagen’s defense and foreign affairs oversight. Trump’s repeated ‘acquisition’ calls have provoked continental uproar.
With Arctic melting unlocking vast minerals and naval routes, the dispute transcends ownership—it’s about tomorrow’s global order. Frederiksen’s Munich intervention underscores Denmark’s vigilance against external pressures.