Trump Revives Greenland Control Push, Denmark Angered
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Washington
- Jan 05, 2026
- 624
US President Donald Trump has once again revived his controversial proposal for American control over Greenland, triggering sharp reactions from Denmark and Greenland and intensifying diplomatic friction between close NATO allies. Trump’s remarks, linking Greenland’s strategic importance to national security threats posed by Russia and China, have reignited concerns over US intentions in the Arctic region.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, Trump asserted that Greenland is vital to US security interests, citing the presence of Russian and Chinese vessels in Arctic waters. He reiterated similar views in a recent interview with The Atlantic, arguing that the United States “needs Greenland” for defense purposes. The comments echo Trump’s earlier calls for Greenland’s annexation, a proposal that has repeatedly been rejected by both Copenhagen and Nuuk.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded swiftly and forcefully, calling the idea of annexation “completely absurd” and emphasizing that the United States has neither the need nor the right to occupy any part of the Danish realm. She urged Trump to refrain from issuing threats against a close ally, noting that Greenland’s population has made it unequivocally clear that the territory is not for sale.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also condemned Trump’s remarks, describing them as inaccurate, insulting, and disrespectful to the people of Greenland. In a statement issued on January 4, Nielsen sought to calm public concern while firmly rejecting any suggestion of foreign control. He underscored that Greenland is a democratic society governed by international law and established agreements, adding that its political status is not subject to negotiation.
The controversy has been further inflamed by recent US actions on the global stage. The seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by US forces and their transfer to New York for trial on drug- and arms-related charges has heightened anxieties about Washington’s willingness to act unilaterally. Greenlandic leaders have objected strongly to any attempt to link Greenland’s status with US actions in Venezuela, warning that such comparisons undermine respect for sovereignty and international norms.
Adding fuel to the diplomatic dispute, Katie Miller, the wife of senior White House official Stephen Miller, posted an image on social media showing Greenland draped in the American flag with the caption “Soon.” The post sparked widespread criticism in Denmark and Greenland, reinforcing fears of symbolic pressure tactics and reviving memories of Trump’s earlier annexation rhetoric.
Despite the tensions, Denmark has pointed out that Greenland already hosts a US military presence under a long-standing defense agreement, providing Washington with strategic access without infringing on sovereignty. Denmark and the United States are both NATO members, and their defense cooperation in the Arctic has traditionally been framed as a partnership rather than a territorial claim.
Analysts note that Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland reflects the growing strategic competition in the Arctic, driven by melting ice routes, access to critical minerals, and increased Russian and Chinese activity. However, they warn that rhetoric suggesting annexation risks alienating allies at a time when unity is critical for managing global security challenges.
The episode underscores how geopolitical assertiveness, amplified by symbolic gestures and social media, can rapidly escalate diplomatic tensions. As Denmark and Greenland reaffirm their sovereignty, the controversy highlights the limits of power politics in a region governed by international law and long-standing alliances.