Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has declared that the nation is at a “fateful moment” in light of President Donald Trump’s threats regarding Greenland. As the conflict in Ukraine escalated, Frederiksen expressed concern that the United States might abandon NATO. To this, she added her emphasis on the deep bonds of friendship that exist between member nations.
In a statement, Frederiksen emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We are at a crossroads, and this is a fateful moment.” She underscored that the future of Greenland should be determined by its own people, asserting, “We don’t want to be Americans, we don’t want to be Danish, we want to be Greenlanders.”
Trump recently doubled down on the U.S. acquiring control of Greenland “one way or another.” This unusual statement has triggered a deluge of protest from Danish officials and our allies. If true, this is a dramatic break with past diplomatic language. This is the first time that Denmark and Greenland are facing such direct threats from a close ally. Frederiksen made clear how unprecedented the U.S. position is. Without that, he cautioned, if the U.S. continues with its military buildup and aggressive firebrand rhetoric, then it will all come crashing down.
Frederiksen earned warm commendation from NATO partners, a signal to help counterbalance domestic disputes, evidenced by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. As opposition leader, Kristersson criticized Trump’s threats against Greenland. Furthermore, he condemned U.S. military threats and actions in Venezuela, calling them crimes against humanity and violations of international law. He remarked, “The world we know continues to be shaken,” urging nations to remain vigilant yet composed in the face of potential conflicts.
Meeting with the Danish and Greenland foreign ministers Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Vivian Motzfeldt, the U.S. Secretary of State. Their goal is to address the rising conflicts. In a united front, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the Greenlandic prime minister, along with other leaders, issued a statement emphasizing that “the future of Greenland must be decided by Greenlanders.”
Frederiksen’s administration is working diligently to ensure Denmark’s position remains strong amidst what she termed an “American reality.” She cautioned that the stakes go beyond a direct threat. Any change to U.S. policy could erode NATO’s ability to cooperate. “What is at stake is bigger than what the eye can see,” she added.
The Swedish government responded to these changes by unveiling plans for a major investment worth 15 billion Swedish kronor (£1.21 billion) in territorial air defense capabilities. This step demonstrates the urgency regional partners are feeling about the situation.