President Donald Trump has once again ignited a diplomatic firestorm, this time over his controversial interest in Greenland. In a heated phone call with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on January 15, Trump demanded that the United States assume control of the autonomous Arctic island. The exchange, described by European officials as aggressive and confrontational, has left Denmark alarmed and Europe bracing for potential fallout.
Why Greenland?
Greenland, a vast and sparsely populated territory, has emerged as a focal point in global geopolitics. With its location in the Arctic, the island is uniquely positioned to influence new shipping routes created by melting ice caps. Additionally, Greenland is rich in untapped natural resources, including rare minerals and oil, making it a highly strategic asset. Trump’s interest in Greenland, however, extends beyond its resources. He views the territory as essential to U.S. national security, particularly as China and Russia expand their influence in the Arctic.
“President Trump has been clear that the safety and security of Greenland is important to the United States as China and Russia make significant investments throughout the Arctic region,” said a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council.
This is not the first time Trump has expressed interest in Greenland. During his first term, he famously proposed buying the territory, though the idea was largely dismissed as fanciful. Now, however, Trump appears more serious, viewing Greenland’s acquisition as a crucial element in countering adversaries and securing America’s strategic position in the region.
The Call: A Heated Exchange
The 45-minute phone call between Trump and Frederiksen, held just five days before Trump’s second inauguration, was anything but cordial. According to European officials who were briefed on the conversation, Trump was unyielding in his insistence that Greenland must come under U.S. control. Frederiksen, however, stood her ground, emphasizing that Greenland is not for sale.
Frederiksen reportedly reminded Trump that Greenland is an autonomous territory and that its people have the right to decide their future. She also pointed to a 2009 agreement under which Greenland can only declare independence following a successful referendum. Múte Egede, Greenland’s Prime Minister, has been vocal about the island’s preference for independence, stating, “It is up to Greenland itself to make a decision on independence.”
Frederiksen attempted to steer the conversation toward increased cooperation on military and economic matters, suggesting that Denmark could take on more responsibility for Arctic security. However, her proposals were met with resistance. Trump allegedly dismissed these ideas, reiterating that U.S. control over Greenland was “an absolute necessity” for Western security.
European officials described the call as “horrendous” and a “cold shower.” One source revealed that Trump’s tone was particularly aggressive, adding that the call deepened fears about the direction of his foreign policy. “The Danes are utterly freaked out by this,” said another insider.
The Fallout
The fallout from the call has been swift and significant. Denmark, keen to avoid further escalation, has urged its European Union allies to remain calm. However, many EU leaders are deeply concerned about the implications of Trump’s actions.
Zaki Laïdi, a professor and former advisor to the EU’s foreign policy chief, warned that Trump’s Greenland ambitions pose a serious challenge to Europe. “The Danes are saying, ‘Keep it down,’ but they’re scared,” he said. “Our credibility is at stake. The Danish want to keep a low profile, but that’s not the way the world works.”
In the days following the call, Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen held a 20-minute phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While the discussion touched on other issues, such as the war in Ukraine, the Arctic region was a central focus. Both sides described the conversation as constructive, but tensions remain high.
Adding to the unease, rumors about the call spread rapidly during the World Economic Forum in Davos, where European leaders and experts expressed nervousness about Trump’s second term.
Trump’s Justification
Trump has been vocal in defending his position, framing Greenland’s acquisition as essential to protecting the “free world.” At a recent press conference, he stated, “People really don’t even know if Denmark has any legal right to it, but if they do, they should give it up because we need it for national security.”
He also hinted at using tariffs or even military force to secure Greenland if diplomatic efforts fail. “You have China ships all over the place. You have Russian ships all over the place. We’re not letting that happen,” Trump said.
Frederiksen, known for her no-nonsense approach, has not been swayed. A former American foreign policy expert described her as “the John Bolton of Europe,” adding, “She doesn’t seem like the type that would give any ground. Not that she’s unreasonable, but not the kind that would take any s—.”
NP Editor: Not sure why this was declared to be “fiery” since this is exactly what Trump was looking for. We believe Greenland is already making overtures to Trump, getting ready for an independence that could lead to joining the U.S. We believe there is now about 90% chance that Greenland will become part of the U.S. – the citizens of Greenland will be bought off, and Denmark will not stand in the way.
