Denmark highlights Greenland in coat of arms due to Trump's remarks
On January 1, 2025, Denmark officialy changed its coat of arms to emphasize the symbols of Greenland and Faroe Islands, which Trump had remarked he wants to buy. According to the Denmark's king, the change "reflects the Realm and takes into account history as well as the heraldic tradition".
The Danish king, Frederik X has announced the change of the Danish royal coat of arms. The change reflects the more prominent role of Greenland and Faroe Islands, territories, which according to president-elect Donald Trump, should be purchased by the United States and become a part of this country. The Independent speculates that because of the change, the king "has made a clear show of his intention to retain the territory within the kingdom of Denmark – and so continue to control its foreign and security policy".
History of the symbol
The Guardian reports that "for 500 years, previous Danish royal coats of arms have featured three crowns, the symbol of the Kalmar Union between Denmark, Norway and Sweden, which was led from Denmark between 1397 and 1523". Simultaneously, the crowns are also important for Sweden.
However, in the new version of the royal coat of arms, the crowns have been removed. They were replaced with the prominent polar bear, which symbolizes Greenland, and the ram, the animal that stands for Faroe Islands. Nevertheless, the official statement issued by the Danish Royal House informs that the changes occurred; hence, "the symbol of the three crowns [...] no longer has a current character and is therefore not considered as relevant". The exposure of the Greenland and Faroe Islands, however, "strengthens the Realm’s prominence in the royal coat of arms".
"We are all united and each of us committed for the kingdom of Denmark. From the Danish minority in South Schleswig – which is even situated outside the kingdom – and all the way to Greenland. We belong together", declared king Frederik X in his first speech in 2025.
Interestingly, according to the king, the changes in the coat of arms were "made based on recommendations from a committee appointed immediately after his ascension to the throne on January 14, 2024", the Guardian reports. Lars Hovbakke Sorensen, an expert on the Danish royal family, said in an interview with TV2 that "it is important to signal from the Danish side that Greenland and the Faroe Islands are part of the Danish realm, and that this is not up for discussion". According to him, the change in the coat of arms is one of the way to do so.
President Trump's acquisition ambitions
"For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity", stated President-elect Donald Trump in a post on his social platform TRUTH. The idea of purchasing a new state became even more prominent with the visit his son, Donald Trump Jr., paid just recently to the island.
"Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation", stated Trump Jr., as quoted by The New York Times. "This is a deal that must happen", commented further president-elect, expressing his willingness to make Greenland the part of the United States.
Interestingly, president-elect is not the first president in the history of the US who wants to add Greenland to the territory of the United States. The first attempt to do so came already in 1867, when then-secretary of state, William Seward wanted to do so. Later, in 1946 the American offcials also offered Denmark a proposition to buy the island.
Sources: The Guardian, The Indepndent, The New York Times, kongehuset.dk
