Danes struggle with response to Trump’s Greenland threat

Denmark is grappling with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, paired with threats of high tariffs if Denmark refuses. Danish politicians, including Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, have sought to maintain a diplomatic stance amidst the controversy.

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen emphasized that Denmark does not intend to escalate tensions, while Frederiksen dismissed Trump’s suggestion of military action, calling it unimaginable. “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders,” Frederiksen stated, reinforcing that any decision about Greenland’s future lies with its people.

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, held emergency meetings with Danish leaders this week, including King Frederik X. Amid growing nationalist sentiment in Greenland, Egede has called for independence from Denmark, tapping into younger generations’ interest in Inuit culture and history.

The situation has sparked internal debates in Denmark. Opposition MP Rasmus Jarlov criticized Frederiksen for being too cautious, arguing Denmark should have firmly rejected Trump’s remarks. At the same time, analysts note Greenland’s dependency on Denmark for subsidies, foreign relations, and defense, complicating the possibility of independence.

The Greenland issue has broader implications for Europe. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned Trump’s rhetoric, underscoring the importance of protecting sovereign borders. Meanwhile, Danish industries fear economic fallout, as U.S. tariffs could severely impact Denmark’s GDP.

As Trump’s inauguration approaches, Denmark faces uncertainty. With concerns about potential U.S. military actions and economic repercussions, Prime Minister Frederiksen must balance diplomacy with defending Greenland’s autonomy.

Source: BBC