Emergency Session Convened in Copenhagen
The Danish Foreign Affairs Committee held an emergency meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. Danish time, to address the kingdom's relations with the United States. The urgent session was called in response to renewed statements from US President Donald Trump concerning Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The meeting's sole agenda item was 'The Kingdom's relations with the United States'.
Key government officials, including Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, participated in the discussions. The Danish government, alongside Greenlandic officials, has also sought an urgent meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to 'clear up certain misunderstandings' and discuss the US's claims about Greenland.
Trump's Renewed Interest and Danish Concerns
President Trump has reiterated his belief that the United States 'needs Greenland for national security reasons'. These comments have intensified diplomatic friction, echoing a similar situation in August 2019 when Trump first publicly expressed interest in purchasing the island, an idea that was met with widespread rejection from both Danish and Greenlandic leaders.
The latest developments follow a US military operation in Venezuela, which raised concerns in Denmark about potential US actions regarding Greenland. Further fueling anxieties, Katie Miller, wife of Trump's deputy chief of staff, posted a map of Greenland adorned with a US flag and the caption 'Soon' on social media. Additionally, Trump had appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland in December, drawing renewed criticism.
International Reactions and Sovereignty Assertions
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a strong warning, stating that 'if a NATO country attacks another NATO country, everything stops', implying that such an action could lead to the 'end' of the military alliance and 'post-second world war security'. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, however, asserted that Greenland 'should be part of the United States' for Arctic security, while the White House indicated a preference for diplomacy but did not rule out military action.
In a show of solidarity, leaders from several European nations, including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom, joined Prime Minister Frederiksen in a joint statement. They reaffirmed Greenland's sovereignty, emphasizing that 'Greenland belongs to its people' and that decisions concerning its future rest solely with Denmark and Greenland. Greenland's government has consistently maintained that the island is 'not for sale'.
7 Comments
KittyKat
This aggressive posturing by the US is a dangerous precedent. Good on Denmark for pushing back.
Eugene Alta
While the rhetoric from the US seems provocative, it's possible this is a high-stakes negotiation tactic to secure greater cooperation on Arctic defense, though such tactics inherently risk alienating crucial partners and undermining trust.
Kyle Broflovski
While the US clearly has strategic interests in the Arctic, threatening a NATO ally's territory is an aggressive diplomatic approach that could destabilize alliances rather than strengthen security.
Eric Cartman
Finally, a strong stand against this blatant disregard for sovereignty. Denmark is right!
Kyle Broflovski
If a NATO ally threatens another, what even is NATO? PM Frederiksen is spot on.
Michelangelo
Trump's obsession with Greenland is beyond ridiculous. It's not a bargaining chip!
Leonardo
Denmark's firm stance on Greenlandic sovereignty is entirely justified, but it's also true that Arctic security is a growing global concern that requires multilateral discussions, not just unilateral demands.