COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly asserted her nation’s sovereign rights over Greenland following controversial statements by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Arctic security arrangements. The diplomatic clarification comes after Trump’s abrupt withdrawal of threatened tariffs on eight European nations—a coercive measure initially deployed to pressure Denmark into relinquishing control over the semiautonomous Arctic territory.
President Trump had previously announced reaching a “framework of a future deal” on Arctic security with NATO leadership, specifically referencing the Golden Dome missile defense program—a $175 billion multilayered system that would potentially position U.S. weapons in space for the first time. However, Frederiksen stated she had received confirmation that no such agreement involving Danish sovereignty had been negotiated.
The Danish leader emphasized that while Arctic security represents a legitimate concern for all NATO members, and that discussions between the U.S. president and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte were “good and natural,” Denmark’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable. Frederiksen confirmed ongoing communications with Rutte surrounding his meeting with Trump in Davos.
NATO leadership has been made fully aware of Denmark’s position that while political, security, and economic matters remain open for discussion, national sovereignty cannot be compromised. Frederiksen reiterated that only Denmark and Greenland possess the authority to make determinations concerning their bilateral relations and territorial integrity.
The Prime Minister expressed Denmark’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue regarding Arctic security enhancement, including potential collaboration on the Golden Dome program, provided such cooperation respects Danish territorial sovereignty. Meanwhile, NATO’s Rutte clarified in a Fox News interview that the future status of Greenland within the Danish kingdom had not been part of his discussions with Trump, noting the president’s primary focus remained on countering increased Chinese and Russian activity in the rapidly changing Arctic region.