Danish PM Warns US Military Action on Greenland Would End Transatlantic Security Ties

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cautions that any US attempt to annex Greenland by force would dismantle 80 years of NATO cooperation, amid renewed concerns over President Trump's interest in the mineral-rich Arctic territory.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a stark warning on Monday, stating that any military action by the United States against Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, would effectively end eight decades of transatlantic security cooperation. The comments come amid renewed attention to President Donald Trump's repeated expressions of interest in acquiring Greenland, a territory rich in rare earth minerals and strategically important as polar ice melts, potentially opening new shipping routes.

President Trump has publicly voiced his desire to secure Greenland, emphasizing its significance to US national security. Speaking on Sunday, Trump said, "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security and Denmark is not going to be able to do it." He further suggested that discussions about Greenland could be deferred, stating, "We'll worry about Greenland in about two months" and "Let's talk about Greenland in 20 days."

These remarks have reignited fears about an aggressive US stance toward Greenland, especially following Washington's recent military intervention in Venezuela. The autonomous territory holds substantial untapped rare earth mineral deposits, which are critical for modern technologies, and its Arctic location is becoming increasingly strategic as melting ice opens new maritime routes.

In response to President Trump's comments, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen took to social media to firmly reject any notion of annexation. He wrote, "That's enough now. No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation." Nielsen emphasized that Greenland remains open to dialogue but insisted that any discussions must follow proper diplomatic channels and respect international law.

European nations and the European Union quickly expressed solidarity with Denmark, underscoring the importance of respecting the sovereignty of NATO allies. The Danish government has urged Washington to cease threatening the autonomous territory, highlighting the potential damage such rhetoric could inflict on longstanding security partnerships.

Prime Minister Frederiksen spoke to the Danish TV network TV2 to underline the gravity of the situation, stating, "If the United States decides to military attack another NATO country, then everything would stop - that includes NATO and therefore post-World War II security." She stressed the importance of maintaining the alliance's unity and the risks posed by undermining the sovereignty of member nations.

Greenland, while part of the Kingdom of Denmark, exercises a significant degree of autonomy. Its strategic importance has grown in recent years, driven by climate change and the global race for access to natural resources. The territory's rare earth minerals are essential for manufacturing electronics, renewable energy technologies, and military equipment. Consequently, Greenland has become a focal point in geopolitical discussions involving the United States, Denmark, and other global powers.

The prospect of US acquisition of Greenland has been a subject of speculation for decades, but President Trump's open remarks have brought the issue into sharper focus. Critics warn that any attempt to forcibly annex Greenland would severely damage transatlantic relations and could destabilize international security frameworks established in the aftermath of World War II.

As the situation evolves, officials from Denmark, Greenland, and the EU have signaled their commitment to peaceful dialogue and adherence to international law. At the same time, they remain vigilant against any actions that could threaten the sovereignty of Greenland or the integrity of NATO alliances.

In summary, the Danish Prime Minister's statement underscores the potential consequences of any US military intervention in Greenland. The warning highlights that such a move would not only jeopardize the security of the autonomous territory but also unravel decades of cooperation and trust that underpin transatlantic security. The international community continues to watch closely as diplomatic efforts to address these tensions unfold.