Leaders from Denmark and Greenland firmly stated on March 7, 2024, that the sovereignty of Greenland is non-negotiable following comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump. In a recent interview, Trump mentioned a framework for a future Arctic security deal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, suggesting that the U.S. would secure “total access” to the territory, which is a semiautonomous part of NATO ally Denmark.
While details about the proposed agreement remain vague, Trump asserted in an interview with Fox Business that, “we’re going to have total access to Greenland.” He emphasized that the U.S. would have “all the military access we want.” In response, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed that Rutte did not propose any compromise regarding Greenland’s sovereignty during discussions with Trump.
On March 6, 2024, Trump had abruptly reversed his decision to impose tariffs on eight European nations, a move he previously suggested was a tactic to gain control over Greenland. This reversal came after he expressed a desire to acquire the island, stating he wanted “right, title and ownership,” but he clarified that he would not resort to force.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen expressed cautious relief about the current state of negotiations but admitted he was unaware of the specific details surrounding the agreement. “I don’t know what there is in the agreement, or the deal about my country,” he told reporters in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also weighed in, stating that security in the Arctic should involve all NATO members. She highlighted the importance of ongoing discussions with the U.S. regarding Arctic security, stating, “we cannot negotiate on our sovereignty.” Frederiksen reiterated that she had been in continuous communication with Rutte, particularly before and after his meeting with Trump in Davos.
Denmark is open to enhancing U.S. military capabilities in Greenland, as the U.S. already maintains a military presence there under a 1951 treaty that allows the establishment of bases with Denmark’s consent. Hart confirmed that NATO’s focus remains on ensuring that Russia and China do not establish a foothold in Greenland, emphasizing that negotiations would continue without infringing on Greenland’s sovereignty.
Nielsen remarked that Rutte conveyed Greenland’s willingness to host a NATO mission, reflecting a desire for respectful dialogue. “Respectful dialogue through the right channels is what we have been seeking from the get-go,” he stated, expressing hope that all parties would continue to engage positively.
Despite the diplomatic overtures, skepticism remains among some Greenlanders and Danes regarding Trump’s intentions. In Copenhagen, residents voiced doubts about the U.S. president’s reliability. Louise Pedersen, a 22-year-old startup worker, commented, “I have a hard time believing it,” adding that decisions about Greenland should be made by its residents, not by Trump.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany emphasized the need for European NATO allies to reinforce security in the Arctic, particularly in response to potential threats from Russia. He noted at the World Economic Forum in Davos that, “We will protect Denmark, Greenland, the north from the threat posed by Russia,” reinforcing the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity in discussions.
On March 7, 2024, Frederiksen traveled to the United Kingdom to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer acknowledged the importance of strengthening Arctic security and credited Trump’s decision to withdraw tariff threats as a pragmatic step forward.
As discussions continue, both Denmark and Greenland remain committed to protecting their sovereignty while engaging in meaningful dialogue about security in the Arctic region.
