‘We choose Denmark’ over the U.S.
Greenlandic Head of Government (Naalakkersuisut) Jens-Frederik Nielsen (L) and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen make a statement on the current situation at a press conference held at the Prime Minister’s Office Mirror Hall in Copenhagen, Denmark, on January 13, 2026.
Liselotte Sabroe | Afp | Getty Images
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday that the Arctic island had chosen Denmark over the United States, pushing back against repeated takeover threats from Donald Trump.
“If we have to choose here and now between the United States and Denmark, we choose Denmark. We choose NATO, the Kingdom of Denmark and the EU,” Nielsen said. he said. based on Translated comments transmitted by Danish public broadcaster DR.
He was speaking alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at a news conference in Copenhagen ahead of critical talks between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials at the White House on Wednesday.
“It’s time to stand together,” Nielsen added.
“It has not been easy to endure a lifetime of unacceptable pressure from our closest allies. But there is much to suggest that the hardest part is still ahead,” Frederiksen said. he said.
Trump’s renewed interest in purchasing Greenland follows the daring US military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
Trump, who has long advocated control of Greenland, said the United States needed the Arctic island to prevent Russia and China from doing the same, and told reporters Washington would seize the self-governing Danish territory “one way or another.”
The US president also said the mineral-rich island, strategically located between Europe and North America, was vital “from a national security perspective”.
Opinion polls previously showed that Greenlanders is overwhelmingly opposed It is under US control, while a strong majority supports independence from Denmark.
Denmark has promised to increase health expenses and has been trying to ease tensions with the Trump administration by investing in Arctic defense while also making infrastructure investments in recent months. to contain Purchase of 16 additional F-35 fighter jets.
