Trump and Denmark discuss security, trade, and Greenland tension
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen held a phone conversation with President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday to discuss strengthening the security of Greenland and the Arctic, according to the office of the Danish government leader. This was their first conversation following Trump's controversial statements regarding Greenland.
Mette Frederiksen's office said the discussion with Trump lasted 45 minutes. During the call, the Danish Prime Minister emphasized that Denmark is ready to take even greater responsibility for the security of Greenland and the Arctic. She also reiterated the position of Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute Egede, who assured that the island, currently dependent on Denmark, is not for sale and that Greenland will independently decide on its sovereignty.
Frederiksen also addressed the impact of Danish companies on economic growth and job creation in the USA. She assured Trump that the European Union and the United States have a shared interest in strengthening trade relations. The conversation also covered Russia's war in Ukraine and relations with China.
Denmark open to a greater US military presence in Greenland
In a statement to the Danish public broadcaster DR, Frederiksen stated that the government in Copenhagen is open to a greater U.S. military presence in Greenland. She mentioned the 1951 U.S.-Danish agreement, which guarantees the U.S. direct access to the island. She stressed that neither the United States nor European nations, including Denmark, support any involvement by countries like Russia in Greenland.
Greenland hosts the American airbase Thule, which was renamed a Space Force base in 2023.
This conversation marked the first exchange between Frederiksen and Trump following the American President-elect's statements suggesting taking over Greenland. He did not rule out the use of force or economic pressure against Denmark, such as implementing tariffs.
