Prime Minister Nielsen States Immediate Preference for Denmark At a joint Copenhagen news conference, Greenland’s prime minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen said Greenland would align with Denmark rather than the United States if asked today, emphasizing that the island does not want U.S. ownership or governance [1]. He reiterated this stance while Denmark’s leader Mette Frederiksen condemned U.S. pressure as “completely unacceptable” [1]. The remarks represent the strongest Greenlandic opposition to U.S. annexation proposals since former President Trump revived the idea [1].

Trump Reasserts U.S. Claim for Strategic Defense Former President Donald Trump argued the United States must own Greenland to defend against Russia and China, framing the island as essential to broader security [1]. Washington has floated a purchase option and has not ruled out the use of force to secure the territory [1]. This rhetoric intensifies diplomatic friction, as the U.S. seeks formal NATO acknowledgment of any potential ownership [1].

Denmark and NATO Condemn U.S. Pressure Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen labeled U.S. pressure “unacceptable,” warning that the most challenging phase of the dispute may lie ahead [1]. European NATO members and Canada publicly supported Denmark and Greenland, stressing that only the two can decide their relationship [1]. They invoked the UN Charter to underline respect for sovereignty and Arctic security [1].

Diplomatic Missions Planned to Washington Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Minister Vivian Motzfeldt scheduled a trip to Washington to meet Vice‑President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio [1]. The meetings aim to manage the crisis and explore diplomatic solutions despite heightened tensions [1]. Their outreach signals continued dialogue even as the annexation debate escalates [1].