U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed interest to annex the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland in December 2025. Why is Trump looking into Greenland and what is the land’s importance? What does this mean for the relations between Denmark and the U.S.?
The history of Greenland
Greenland is the world’s largest island located between the Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Baffin Bay. It is 836,300 square miles and mostly covered in ice.
The capital of Greenland is Nuuk with a population with over 20,000 people in 2025. In 1979, Greenland became an autonomous region of The Kingdom of Denmark. The Self-Governing act took effect giving Greenland more control over their own land.
The economy of Greenland is mostly powered by fishing and sea-food exports. Greenland is filled with many undiscovered resources such as oil and rare earth elements.
The U.S.’s previous looks into Greenland
Greenland’s location between North America and the Arctic circle make it easier to detect missile attacks and monitor military vessels. During the Cold War, the U.S. planned to station nuclear missiles, however, Denmark did not agree.
In 2019, Trump expressed interest in purchasing Greenland and was met with rejection with the Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen calling it “absurd.” In 2025, Trump then threatened to annex Greenland which would break international law after Greenland and Denmark refused.
NATO has eyes on Greenland because it makes it easier to monitor Russian activity in the Arctic circle. For Trump, Greenland is key for U.S. security.
The Greenland Crisis
After Denmark’s refusals to give up Greenland, Trump’s take on the situation prompted The Greenland Crisis. In early January, Trump threatened the EU 25% import tax if Denmark does not hand over Greenland.
Large protests named “Hands Off Greenland” took place in Denmark and Greenland on Jan. 17 against threats against Greenland. Protesters have been heard chanting “Greenland is not for sale.” in front of the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen.
Thomas Crosbie, an American military expert at The Royal Danish Defense College stated that any attempt to take Greenland over would be a criminal act. A 1952 order states that Danish soldiers will fight without any orders in the event of an attack on Danish territories.
Denmark would have the right to arrest any American that takes part in such act and shoot back if shot at.
Responses in the U.S
Responses to Trump’s threats regarding Greenland have also sparked outrage in the U.S.
U.S. officials claim that Trump’s threats are wrong and shameful for Americans. Former CIA director John O. Brennan called the threats “outrageous.” Republican Congressman Don Bacon stated that an invasion of Denmark would result in an immediate impeachment of Trump’s presidency.
Bacon believes Republicans are angered by Trump’s actions and that Trump should back off to protect his presidency.
“The use of force … would be an especially catastrophic act of strategic self-harm to America and its global influence.” Republican Mitch McConnell said.
The EU, UK, Canada, and Norway have expressed support for Greenland. European nations have also united saying that Greenland belongs to its people and not the U.S.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that he was with Donald Trump on other things but questioned his stance on Greenland.
“My friend,
We are totally in line on Syria
We can do great things on Iran
I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.” Macron said in a private text message to Trump.
Trump pulling back
After addressing the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Trump says he has reached an agreement with the leader of NATO over Greenland. He says that he will draw back tariffs on the European allies.
Trump has also said he will not use force for Greenland to be under American ownership. He has called for immediate negotiations for Greenland’s ownership to be given to the U.S.
He believes that it only the U.S. was strong enough to protect Greenland and it only makes sense if the U.S. owns it. Rasmus Jarlov, chairmen of the defense committee in Denmark’s parliament expressed relief that Trump is ruling out military force but insists on not handing Greenland over.
How this may affect U.S. and Denmark’s relations
Denmark feels betrayed by Trump’s threats regarding Greenland. With much of the “Hands Off Greenland” protests, it reflects local opinions on the U.S.
Trump’s threats of tariffs on the EU may affect the Economy of these nations – not only being geopolitical. Given their strong shared history, the relationship between the U.S. and Denmark may face new pressures.
According to a 2025 YouGov poll, nearly half of Danes considered the U.S. to be a threat more than Iran and North Korea. 78% were in opposition to the U.S. buying Greenland.
During Trump’s recent presidency, he has also been under fire for Operation Absolute Resolve on Jan. 3 along with the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Many believe that his recent actions are just for power and control rather than security.
