Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Tuesday that the territory firmly aligns with Denmark and NATO, rejecting any U.S. claims. Speaking in Copenhagen alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Nielsen stated, “If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose NATO. We chose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU.”
The comments come ahead of a high-profile meeting in Washington between Greenlandic and Danish foreign ministers, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. President Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing strategic and national security concerns. He said, “If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will take Greenland… One way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland.”
Both Greenland and Denmark have stated unequivocally that the territory is “not for sale.” Frederiksen said the U.S. has applied “completely unacceptable pressure” on its closest ally, Denmark.
Lawmakers in the U.S. have pushed back against any military action. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine called a potential takeover “disastrous,” while Republican Sen. Rand Paul said he would oppose a military move but not a purchase. Congress is taking steps to limit any executive action, with bipartisan legislation proposed to block military aggression against NATO members, including Greenland.
Nielsen emphasized Greenland’s desire to remain autonomous, saying, “Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed by the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States.”
The situation highlights rising tensions between U.S. ambitions in the Arctic and the sovereignty of NATO allies, reinforcing the importance of diplomacy and multilateral cooperation in the region.
