Denmark and Greenland have firmly said that Greenland’s sovereignty is not for discussion following comments made after U.S. President Donald Trump met NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
The issue came up after Trump spoke about Arctic security during an international meeting. He suggested that the United States could gain broad access to Greenland through future cooperation agreements. His comments quickly drew attention and concern in Denmark and Greenland.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded by saying that while countries can cooperate on security and defense, sovereignty is not negotiable. She stressed that Greenland belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark and that its status cannot be changed by outside pressure.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also rejected any idea that Greenland’s future could be decided without its people. He said Greenland has self-rule and the right to decide its own path. According to him, no agreement can override Greenland’s political authority.
Denmark and Greenland already work closely with the United States on defense matters. A long-standing agreement allows the U.S. to operate military bases in Greenland, but this does not affect who owns or governs the territory.
Trump later softened his tone by saying he would not use force and had dropped earlier threats linked to trade tariffs. Still, Danish and Greenlandic leaders made it clear that security cooperation does not mean giving up control.
The situation highlights growing global interest in the Arctic region. However, Denmark and Greenland insist that any cooperation must respect international law and national sovereignty.
