IRIA News

3 minute read

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly reiterated Greenland’s right to self-determination during a call with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 16, 2025.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has been at the center of geopolitical discourse following Trump’s controversial statements and subsequent actions.

In a 45-minute phone conversation with Trump, Frederiksen emphasized that any decision about Greenland’s future lies solely with the people of Greenland. Her position aligns with that of Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, who earlier stated unequivocally, “Greenland is not for sale.”

Trump, who did not publicly react to the call, instead reposted on his TruthSocial account a 2019 poll indicating that 68% of Greenlanders support independence from Denmark.

Greenland’s potential independence has long been a subject of discussion, and a referendum on the issue is considered likely soon. Denmark has pledged to respect the results of any such democratic process.

Security, trade, and tariffs

Frederiksen also used the call to discuss Denmark’s readiness to increase its responsibility for Arctic security, an area of strategic interest for the U.S. amid growing geopolitical competition in the region. She highlighted the strong trade ties between Denmark and the U.S., emphasizing the mutual benefits and the need for collaboration in strengthening transatlantic trade.

However, these diplomatic overtures have been overshadowed by Trump’s threat of imposing high tariffs on Danish goods if Denmark does not relinquish Greenland. Such a move has raised alarms among Danish businesses, with the U.S. being Denmark’s second-largest export market. Tariffs could severely impact major industries, including Carlsberg beer and Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical giant whose obesity and diabetes medications are widely used in the U.S.

Domestic reactions in Denmark

Domestically, Frederiksen’s response has drawn mixed reactions. Greenlandic MP Aaja Chemnitz expressed satisfaction with Frederiksen’s stance, emphasizing the importance of dialogue between Denmark and Greenland.

On the other hand, opposition MP Rasmus Jarlov criticized Frederiksen, accusing her of undermining Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland. “It is completely unacceptable that [Frederiksen] renounces Denmark’s rights in Greenland,” Jarlov stated on social media.

Frederiksen is scheduled to meet Danish business leaders, including CEOs of major companies, in what local media have called a “crisis meeting” to address the potential fallout of Trump’s tariff threats. Additionally, an extraordinary Foreign Policy Council meeting will be convened to discuss Denmark’s strategy regarding Greenland and its relations with the incoming U.S. administration.

Greenland’s strategic importance

Greenland’s vast natural resources and its geostrategic position in the Arctic make it a highly desirable asset. Under Trump’s first presidency, his 2019 proposal to purchase Greenland was met with widespread criticism, prompting Frederiksen to call the idea “absurd.” The fallout led to the abrupt cancellation of Trump’s visit to Denmark. This history, coupled with recent developments, underscores the enduring tensions surrounding Greenland.

Several political analysts have noted the significance of Trump dedicating substantial time to discussing Greenland with Frederiksen.

With Greenland’s future on the global stage and the island’s increasing strategic significance, the debate is far from over. Frederiksen’s diplomatic balancing act reflects Denmark’s attempt to safeguard its national interests while respecting Greenland’s autonomy and maintaining strong ties with its closest ally, the United States.

As Greenland continues to consider its path forward, the decisions made in Copenhagen, Nuuk, and Washington in the coming months could have profound implications for Arctic politics and international relations.