Danish Prime Minister Accuses US of Unacceptable Pressure on Greenland Amid Controversial Visit
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has sharply criticized the United States for what she deems unacceptable pressure regarding Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish control. Her remarks come in response to an unexpected visit planned by a U.S. delegation from the Trump administration to the Arctic island.
The White House announced on Sunday that the delegation, led by Second Lady Usha Vance, would be arriving in Greenland later this week, which surprised both Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, and Copenhagen. The group also includes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who is currently facing scrutiny due to an ongoing security leak, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
In an interview with Danish channel TV 2 on Tuesday, Frederiksen emphasized, "I have to say that it is unacceptable pressure being placed on Greenland and Denmark in this situation. And it is pressure that we will resist." The Prime Minister further dismissed claims that the visit was a casual or private affair, stating, "You cannot make a private visit with official representatives from another country."
She commented on President Trump's past interest in acquiring Greenland, stating, "Trump's threats to acquire Greenland should be taken seriously. President Trump is serious; he wants Greenland. Therefore, it cannot be seen independently of anything else." According to Frederiksen, the visit does not prioritize what Greenland wants or needs but rather imposes external pressure on the local population and leaders, as well as on Denmark.
Greenland's former colonial ruler, Denmark, retains control of security and foreign policy for the territory, which remains part of the Danish kingdom. Trump's vocal desire for U.S. control over Greenland has raised alarms among local politicians. Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede has accused Washington of foreign interference regarding the planned visit, particularly as political uncertainty looms following recent elections and ongoing coalition talks.
In statements to the press, President Trump insisted that the delegation had been invited by officials from Greenland, asserting, "People from Greenland are asking us to go there." However, the Nuuk government quickly contradicted this claim, stating, "For the record, the Greenlandic government has not issued any invitations for visits, either official or private." They emphasized the importance of respecting the ongoing political process within the interim government.
This backdrop of political maneuvering has complicated relationships as Greenland transitions following a recent general election, where coalition negotiations have led to tensions. The political party Naleraq, which has generally supported U.S. interests, recently withdrew from coalition talks, with a member of parliament, Kuno Fencker, expressing concerns that the U.S. visit is undermining their position and rendering coalition efforts futile. "It has an effect because many of the members think that we, especially me, are selling the country to the U.S.," he claimed.
Fencker accused Danish media of inflating fears over the United States and framing Trump as a villain, stating, "Divide and rule is being used extremely towards Greenland and fearmongering about the United States."
The U.S. delegation's itinerary reportedly includes visits to a U.S. space force base in Pituffik, and they will engage with local culture, history, and activities, including a dogsled race. The White House's National Security Council has insisted that the delegation aims to learn more about Greenland and its people, despite the controversy surrounding the timing and nature of the visit.
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