Denmark’s Foreign Minister has issued a clear five-word warning to Donald Trump as concerns grow over the US President’s renewed interest in Greenland. Speaking at a briefing with journalists in Aarhus last week, Lars Løkke Rasmussen said: “It can never be about annexation,” as he warned the issue was far from over.
The comment comes after Trump suggested earlier this year that the US could take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous Arctic territory belonging to Denmark, by military or economic means. Although an invasion is seen as highly unlikely, Rasmussen stressed that Denmark is taking the comments seriously.
“We do not consider a military annexation as anything which likely could happen. Not at all,” he said. “Having said that, it’s not that we consider this case solved.”
He added: “I’ve always been arguing that you should take Trump seriously but not necessarily literally.
“But I also realised that these two things come closer and closer in comparison with his first term. So we take it very, very seriously.”
The renewed focus on Greenland is linked to its location in the Arctic and its valuable mineral resources.
The island plays a growing role in global security as melting ice opens new trade routes and exposes competition over resources.
According to Euronews, Trump previously described Greenland as something the US should “have,” calling it crucial for “the protection of the free world”.
He also questioned Denmark’s claim to the land, comments that sparked strong reactions in both Copenhagen and Brussels.
Rasmussen said Denmark was open to working with Washington on Arctic security but ruled out any suggestion of US control.
He also warned of possible future attempts to interfere in Greenlandic society, not necessarily by the US, and stressed the importance of European unity on the matter.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently travelled to Greenland and voiced his support, telling locals: “Let me tell you very directly that you’re not alone. This flag you have here is our common flag.”
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has also backed Denmark’s sovereignty and said that “it is absolutely time to focus more on the Arctic”.
Denmark has since announced a 14.6 billion kroner (£1.65bn) plan to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
Rasmussen also said the 1951 defence agreement between Denmark and the US remained important, but added: “We also have to play this carefully.”
Despite the tension, he said he remained calm and optimistic. “We have to figure out what is actually, in substance, the problem or the possibility,” he added. “I think we can overcome this in a peaceful way.”
