Copenhagen, Denmark – A sentiment of profound disappointment is emerging among many Danes regarding the United States' persistent interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. This shift in perception, as highlighted by The Wall Street Journal, indicates a transformation from a historically strong alliance to one marked by diplomatic tension. The renewed focus on purchasing the vast Arctic island has been met with consistent rejection from both Danish and Greenlandic authorities.
The issue first gained widespread attention in 2019 when then-President Donald Trump publicly floated the idea of buying Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen swiftly dismissed the proposal as "absurd," leading to Trump's cancellation of a state visit to Copenhagen and a public spat that strained diplomatic ties. Despite this clear rejection, the notion of U.S. ownership has resurfaced.
More recently, in late 2024 and early 2025, President-elect Trump reiterated his desire for the U.S. to gain "ownership and control" of Greenland, citing national security imperatives. Greenland, strategically vital due to its location on the shortest route from North America to Europe and its hosting of a large U.S. military base, is also rich in mineral reserves. This strategic importance fuels the U.S. interest, which some analysts believe is also influenced by growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic.
However, leaders in both Denmark and Greenland have unequivocally stated that the island is not for sale. Greenland's elected leader, Múte Bourup Egede, firmly declared, "Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale." This stance underscores Greenland's right to self-determination and its long-standing fight for freedom, which many Danes support. The repeated overtures have been widely perceived as insulting to both Greenland and Denmark, challenging the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
The Wall Street Journal encapsulated the prevailing sentiment, reporting, > "Many Danes say they are heartbroken by how the U.S. has turned from best friend to foe over Greenland." This sentiment reflects a deep concern over the U.S. approach, which appears to prioritize territorial acquisition over diplomatic respect for a close NATO ally. While Denmark continues to emphasize its commitment to the U.S. alliance, the Greenland issue remains a significant point of contention, prompting calls for increased Danish responsibility for Arctic security.