Denmark rejects US threats to annex Greenland: Details of the crisis
In a new diplomatic escalation, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sent a strongly worded message to the United States, demanding that it immediately cease threatening a historic ally and NATO member. This firm stance came in response to renewed US statements hinting at Washington's desire to control Greenland, a self-governing territory under the Danish crown.
In a firm official statement, Frederiksen asserted: "I must say to the United States unequivocally: it is completely unacceptable to suggest that the United States should control Greenland." She reminded Washington that the Kingdom of Denmark, which includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland, benefits from NATO security guarantees, rendering such threatening language unwarranted among allies.
Historical background: Old ambitions renewed
This is not the first time the United States has expressed interest in buying or controlling Greenland. In 1946, US President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold for the island, an offer that was rejected. The debate resurfaced in 2019 when President Donald Trump revived the idea, describing it as a "great real estate deal," leading to the cancellation of a planned state visit to Denmark after Frederiksen called the idea "ridiculous.".
The strategic and economic importance of the island
Greenland is gaining increasing geopolitical importance that goes beyond its vast ice cover. The island is located in a vitally strategic position in the Arctic, and is home to Thule Air Base, the northernmost US military base and a cornerstone of the US missile early warning system.
Furthermore, as the ice melts due to climate change, the island's natural resources are becoming more easily extractable. Geological reports indicate that Greenland possesses vast reserves of rare earth minerals, oil, gas, and uranium, making it a target for major powers, especially given the international competition between the United States, China, and Russia for Arctic resources.
Image of "American flag" sparks anger
The current crisis escalated significantly after Katie Miller, wife of White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, posted a map of Greenland covered in the colors of the American flag on the X platform, accompanied by the word "Soon." This post sparked widespread outrage in Copenhagen and Nuuk (the capital of Greenland).
In this context, Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens Frederik Nielsen, described the image as "offensive," emphasizing that international relations should be based on mutual respect and international law, not on provocative symbols. Nielsen asserted, "Greenland is not for sale, and its future will not be decided by social media posts.".
International concerns and a tense regional context
These US moves come at a highly sensitive time, with observers linking the desire to annex Greenland to recent US military actions, including the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Analysts believe these steps may indicate a more assertive US approach to securing strategic resources and vital geographic locations through force or intense diplomatic pressure.
For his part, the Danish ambassador to Washington, Jesper Møller Sørensen, tried to contain the situation with a friendly reminder of the need to respect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, stressing the depth of the alliance between the two countries, but emphasizing that partnership does not mean giving up sovereignty.
