Overview

• Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, speaking from Greenland, firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated claims to annex the territory, emphasizing that such actions violate international law and territorial sovereignty.
• Frederiksen highlighted Denmark's longstanding defense agreement with the U.S., which already provides significant American access to Greenland, dismissing the need for further control under the guise of security concerns.
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added further strain to the dispute by suggesting Greenlanders might seek independence from Denmark, a claim Denmark dismissed as disrespectful and unfounded.
• Greenland's new government, elected in March 2025, remains united with Denmark in opposing U.S. annexation efforts, reaffirming the island's autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark.
• The Arctic region’s strategic importance, including untapped resources and key shipping lanes, continues to draw global attention, intensifying geopolitical tensions involving the U.S., Denmark, and other powers.