June 27, 2025 – Copenhagen & Nuuk — As former U.S. President Donald Trump reiterates his ambition to “take” Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has launched a strategic political, economic, and defense campaign to ensure Greenland remains firmly Danish—and ultimately Greenlandic.
The U.S. Bid That Sparked Alarm
Trump’s persistent declaration—sometimes hinting at using military force—to acquire Greenland reignited tensions in early 2025. Officials in Washington also floated other mechanisms: offering annual payments around $10,000 per resident, potentially shifting responsibility from U.S. European Command to Northern Command, and pursuing intelligence on Greenlandic views.
The island’s vast untapped mineral wealth, strategic location in the Arctic, and ongoing U.S. military presence (e.g., Pituffik Space Base) make it a striking prize in geopolitical contests.
Frederiksen’s Robust Response
a. Public Rebuff & Legal Assertion
In March, Frederiksen traveled to Nuuk, joining Greenland’s newly elected PM Jens‑Frederik Nielsen. She asserted unequivocally: “The U.S. shall not take over Greenland. Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders”.
In June, she reaffirmed before the UN-inspired platform that Denmark would resist “unacceptable pressure” from its closest ally, underscoring that sovereignty and self‑determination are non-negotiable.
b. Infrastructure and Security Investment
Frederiksen announced a multi-billion-dollar boost—estimated around $2 billion—in Arctic defense infrastructure, including:
- New ports, military-grade logistics, naval frigates, F‑16 deployments
- Advanced surveillance networks: drones, satellites, and radar systems
This bolstering positions Denmark and Greenland as Arctic guardians, reducing the political appeal of any foreign takeover.
c. European Backing
Frederiksen courted EU partners—Germany, France, and others—inviting collaborative Arctic defense, diplomatic support, and solidarity.
Together with Greenland’s leadership, she presented a unified front: Greenland is a sovereign people, not a commodity.
Greenland’s Local Voice
- Public sentiment: Nearly 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S.; many also harbor concerns about Trump personally.
- Political unity: Greenland’s government emphasizes partnership—but never annexation—welcoming investment but resisting colonial-style overtures.
This movement has even strengthened Greenland’s independence narrative: “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders,” says PM Egede.
Geopolitical Ripples
- Military Significance: The GIUK gap makes Greenland integral to tracking Russia and Chinese activities. Denmark’s defense upgrades aim to close any gaps that might justify U.S. takeover rhetoric.
- Global reactions: European leaders and Russia have criticized Trump’s approach—viewing Greenland as central to Arctic stability and national sovereignty.
- NATO dynamics: Shifting Greenland under the U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) creates uneasy questions about command control and long-term defense commitments.
What Lies Ahead?
- Infrastructure rollout: As port, drone, and base plans materialize, the argument for strengthening Denmark’s—and Greenland’s—sovereignty grows.
- EU & NATO cohesion: Frederiksen’s success depends on sustained alliance support—both diplomatically and militarily.
- Greenlandic identity: Empowered by investment and international attention, Greenland risks drift toward full independence—but under its terms, not through donation.
Final Analysis
Mette Frederiksen’s proactive, multifaceted strategy—public rejection, infrastructure backing, defense escalation, and European coordination—has successfully deflected Trump’s push to claim Greenland. It reaffirms democratic self-determination, sends a clear message to allies and adversaries, and reshapes Arctic geopolitics.
Greenland remains Danish—and increasingly Greenlandic—in spirit and sovereignty. The question isn’t “if,” but “when” Greenland charts its own global course.
