During her visit to the island in response to US President Trump’s comments that they should “have Greenland,” Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen addressed the remarks made about the island.

As US President Donald Trump’s comments about having Greenland persist, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, to whom Greenland is tied, visited the island. Speaking about Trump’s comments on the island during her visit, Frederiksen warned that even if the US had an argument related to international security, it could not “annex another country.” “SERVING DIVISION SERVES ENEMIES” Meeting with both the new and former leaders of Greenland, Frederiksen emphasized that Denmark is a reliable NATO ally. Frederiksen stressed that allowing each other to be “divided” as allies would serve their “enemies.” She added that she would do everything in her power to prevent this from happening. Frederiksen said, “Our businesses invest in the US when you ask them to. We spend more on defense when you ask us to. When you ask us to strengthen security in the Arctic, we agree on that too.”

“YOU CANNOT ANNEX ANOTHER COUNTRY” Prime Minister Frederiksen continued her words as follows: “However, when you demand to seize a part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s territories, when we face pressure and threats from our closest ally, whom we have appreciated all these years, what should we believe in about this country? This is a matter related to the world order we built together across the Atlantic. You cannot annex another country, even with an international security argument.” Frederiksen called on the US to “do this together” regarding strengthening security in the Arctic.

WHAT DOES THE US WANT? Expressing his desire to have control of Greenland since returning to office frequently, Trump stated that they should “have Greenland” for ensuring international security. Trump indicated that they were uncomfortable with Chinese and Russian ships sailing all over Greenland and made it clear that they did not trust Denmark or anyone else “to deal with this situation.” On the other hand, US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who visited Greenland, argued that the Danish administration had not invested enough in the security of Greenland. Vance stated, “As you all know, this is a huge issue and it will grow bigger over the coming decades. We need to have more positions in Greenland.” He believed that without the need for military force, the Greenlanders would eventually stand by the US and the island’s desire for control.

STATUS OF GREENLAND As the world’s largest island, Greenland is an autonomous region connected to the Kingdom of Denmark, so although it is part of the European Union (EU), Greenlanders are also Danish citizens. Despite being a disputed area between Norway and Denmark throughout history, especially after the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) 1933 case “Legal Status of Eastern Greenland,” it was confirmed that the island belonged to Denmark. Over time, Denmark granted autonomy to the region, paving the way for Greenland to have self-government in internal affairs.

Although largely covered with snow and glaciers, Greenland is home to about 57,000 people. What makes Greenland particularly important is its underground resources and maritime jurisdiction areas. While various natural resources such as uranium, nickel, or titanium remain reserves in the region, Greenland is also rich in marine fishing resources.

Greenland is also adjacent to the Arctic region, and since the Arctic region is not subject to a treaty like the Antarctic Treaty, it is a subject of debate among neighboring states. Through Greenland, Denmark can be involved in these debates and claims rights in a part of the region.