COPENHAGEN, Jan 6: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a stern warning on Monday, stating that “if the US attacks another NATO country, everything stops.” The remarks came during an interview with Danish broadcaster DR, in response to questions about the potential implications of US military action against a fellow NATO member.
Trump’s Greenland comments spark tension
Frederiksen also criticized US President Donald Trump’s renewed remarks suggesting that the United States “needs” Greenland, calling the statements “unacceptable pressure” on the self-governing Arctic territory.
“Unfortunately, I think the American president should be taken seriously when he says he wants Greenland,” Frederiksen said, emphasizing that both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly rejected any idea of US annexation.
She added that while Denmark cannot predict US actions, there is full European support for respecting national borders, highlighting solidarity from EU allies.
European leaders back Denmark
European officials have rallied behind Denmark after Trump floated the idea of acquiring Greenland:
France: French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux said, “Borders cannot be changed by force”, expressing solidarity with Denmark.
UK: Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, “The future of Greenland is for the Kingdom of Denmark and for Greenland themselves.”
Germany: Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul noted that Greenland, as part of Denmark, would fall under NATO’s collective defence obligations.
Trump’s ongoing focus on Greenland
On Sunday, Trump reiterated in a The Atlantic interview that the United States “absolutely” needs Greenland. Frederiksen responded by urging Washington to cease making threats against a close ally and the Greenlandic people.
Last month, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as US special envoy to Greenland, escalating diplomatic tensions. Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in controlling Greenland, suggesting he would not rule out military or economic coercion to achieve this objective.