Nielsen described the situation as a “geopolitical crisis” but emphasized that Greenland does not want to be owned, governed, or absorbed by the United States. He stressed that Denmark remains Greenland’s preferred partner and that the island’s position is clear and non-negotiable.
The statements come after US President Donald Trump renewed his calls to annex Greenland. Trump has said the US must “own” the island to protect itself from Russia and China. He has suggested purchasing Greenland and hinted that military options could be considered, although no evidence was provided to support claims of foreign threats.
Denmark, a fellow NATO member, has strongly rejected any US attempt to use force. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the US pressure “completely unacceptable” and warned that more challenges are likely ahead. She highlighted that any military action against Denmark or Greenland would jeopardize the trans-Atlantic defence alliance.
Greenland is strategically located between North America and the Arctic. Its position makes it important for early warning systems against missile attacks and for monitoring maritime activity in the region. The United States already maintains a permanent military presence at Pituffik base in northwest Greenland. The base has been operated by the US since World War II. Existing agreements allow the US to bring additional troops to Greenland, but Greenlandic officials insist that troop presence does not equate to ownership.
Trump responded to Nielsen’s comments by saying, “That’s their problem, I disagree with him… That’s going to be a big problem for him.” Despite this, Greenlandic and Danish leaders are standing firm on their position.
The Copenhagen conference came a day before Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt are scheduled to travel to Washington. They are expected to meet US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks are likely to focus on US-Greenland relations, the island’s autonomy, and the strategic role of Greenland in global security.
