Trump ‘very serious‘ about annexing Greenland – Danish PM

Mette Frederiksen has warned that US threats to take over the Arctic island are far from over, calling the pressure “unacceptable”

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that US President Donald Trump remains “very serious” about annexing Greenland, despite recently toning down his rhetoric about using military force to take over the resource-rich Arctic territory.

Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to acquire the autonomous Danish territory, citing its strategic location and alleged threats from Russia and China – claims dismissed by Copenhagen, Moscow, and Beijing. Although he initially did not rule out using military force, last month he announced a “framework” deal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Frederiksen argued the threat is far from over, describing the “pressure” on Greenland as “unacceptable.”

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“Unfortunately, the US president remains very serious,” she said, adding that “the people of Greenland have never been threatened by anyone before.”

While Copenhagen is willing to work with Washington to allow an expanded military presence, Frederiksen stressed that “there are, of course, things that you cannot compromise on” – such as sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We now have a working group. We will try to see if we can find a solution, and … we will do whatever we can, but, of course, there are red lines that will not be crossed,” she said, following a 45-minute meeting on Friday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Details of the talks have not been made public.

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Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen echoed the concerns, calling it “outrageous” that Greenlanders were being threatened by a NATO member.

Frederiksen warned last month that the annexation threats could undermine “everything,” including the US-led military bloc. French President Emmanuel Macron also criticized Washington’s stance, calling the “Greenland moment” evidence that the US administration is “openly anti-European.”