President Donald Trump’s bold assertion that the United States ‘absolutely needs’ Greenland has sparked outrage across Europe, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer leading the charge in defense of Denmark. Following his administration’s moves on Venezuela, Trump highlighted the strategic Arctic island’s role in countering Russian and Chinese influence during a podcast appearance.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded forcefully on Danish broadcaster DR, criticizing Trump’s latest remarks and warning of the consequences if force enters NATO dynamics. ‘We must take the U.S. President seriously when he says he wants Greenland,’ she noted, reiterating Greenland and Denmark’s firm rejection of annexation ideas. She affirmed Europe’s solidarity in upholding territorial integrity.
Starmer wasted no time aligning with Frederiksen. In a Sky News exchange, he declared Denmark a vital NATO and European partner, insisting Greenland’s destiny lies solely with its people and Denmark. ‘I’m standing with them on this,’ he affirmed.
Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reinforced this in Parliament, pledging ongoing security collaboration with Denmark and clarifying that Greenland’s path forward is not for outsiders to dictate.
The flap recalls Trump’s 2019 purchase proposal, which Denmark rebuffed. Today, with Arctic melting accelerating military and economic rivalries, Trump’s rhetoric tests alliances. European voices are coalescing, potentially complicating U.S. goals in the region. This episode highlights deepening divides over sovereignty in a multipolar world, as leaders brace for what comes next in the Greenland standoff.