In the context of tense relations between the United States and Denmark, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that US President-elect Donald Trump has not abandoned his ambitions for Greenland and continues to threaten Denmark with economic sanctions in the form of a trade war. The statement came amid discussions about the future of the world's largest island, which is an autonomous territory within the Danish kingdom.
Greenland, with its strategic Arctic location, abundant natural resources, and growing geopolitical importance, has been a target of Trump’s interest since 2019, when he first publicly proposed buying the island from Denmark. The proposal was treated as a joke at the time, but Trump’s subsequent actions and statements show that his interest in Greenland is serious and ongoing.
Trump recently brought up Greenland again during his election campaign, stressing its importance to US national security, due to the possibility of controlling Arctic routes and resources. He suggested that Greenland should become part of the US, threatening Denmark with economic measures if it refused.
Frederiksen, commenting on this situation, noted that Denmark is not considering the possibility of selling Greenland and emphasized that the future of the island is decided by the Greenlanders themselves. She also pointed to Trump's unprecedented move, which links economic relations between the countries with territorial claims.
"We cannot afford a trade war with such an important partner as the United States, but we will not give up territory under pressure either," – the Prime Minister said.
The row comes amid Trump's recent comments about the possibility of imposing high tariffs on Danish goods if Denmark does not give up Greenland. A trade war between the U.S. and Denmark could have serious consequences for both economies, especially given that Denmark is a major exporter to the U.S., including dairy products, pharmaceuticals, and wind energy.
In response to Trump's threats, Denmark has strengthened its defenses in Greenland, increasing military spending and strengthening military bases on the island. Danish politicians and experts are also discussing the possibility of increasing Greenland's autonomy, allowing the island to determine its own foreign policy and defense measures, which could be a response to American pressure.
Greenland, for its part, has expressed a desire for independence from Denmark, adding to the complexity of relations between Copenhagen, Nuuk and Washington. Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede recently announced the island's desire to become fully independent, which could change the geopolitical situation in the Arctic.
Experts suggest that Trump is using the Greenland issue as a negotiating tool, hoping to gain strategic advantages in the Arctic, especially in the context of competition with Russia and China. However, this could lead to a long-term deterioration in relations between the US and Denmark, as well as a change in the dynamics of international alliances in the region.