Trump has said he wouldn’t rule out using military force
Denmark has announced plans to boost its military presence in the North Atlantic in response to growing concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated calls for the purchase or cession of Greenland to the United States.
Late on Monday, the Danish government revealed a 14.6 billion-kroner (approximately $2 billion) agreement with Greenland and the Faroe Islands to strengthen regional surveillance and safeguard sovereignty. The deal includes the addition of three new Arctic naval vessels, two long-range surveillance drones, and enhanced satellite capabilities.
On Tuesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited major European capitals—Berlin, Paris, and Brussels—where she met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Speaking to reporters after her meetings, Frederiksen emphasized that Europe now faces a “more uncertain reality,” and announced plans to bolster Denmark’s military presence around Greenland.
This comes amid President Trump’s persistent remarks about Greenland’s strategic importance to U.S. national and economic security, even suggesting the possibility of using military force to claim the territory. Although Frederiksen did not directly address Trump’s statements during her trip, she reiterated that Europe must unite in response to evolving threats, particularly from Russia.
“We are facing a more uncertain reality, a reality that calls for an even more united Europe and for more cooperation,” Frederiksen said during her meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. She highlighted Russia’s activities in Ukraine and beyond as a key concern, adding, “It is up to Europe to define the future of our continent, and I think we have to take more responsibility for our own security.”
In its statement on strengthening defense in the Arctic and North Atlantic, Denmark’s Defense Ministry emphasized the need for continued investment in the region and announced plans to negotiate a second agreement later this year to enhance deterrence and defense efforts.
“We must face the fact that there are serious challenges regarding security and defense in the Arctic and North Atlantic,” said Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. “For this reason, we must strengthen our presence in the region.” He also stressed the importance of ensuring that the investment would benefit local jobs and businesses in Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
Greenland’s government has consistently rejected the idea of selling the territory but remains open to cooperating with international partners. The Danish Defense Ministry did not address Trump’s specific ambitions in its statement.