Denmark's PM to Trump: Greenland has the right to decide its own future

(Patria) - Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told Donald Trump that Greenland has the right to decide its own future, the BBC reports.

To recall, the newly elected US President caused a stir in Copenhagen last week when he hinted that the US wanted to buy the Arctic island located in Danish territory.

During a 45-minute phone call, Frederiksen told Trump that Denmark was prepared to increase its responsibility for security in the Arctic.

She also reiterated the statements of Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede, who recently made it clear that Greenland is not for sale.

Trump did not respond publicly, but on his Truth Social platform, he reposted a 2019 poll showing that 68% of Greenlanders support independence from Denmark.

A referendum on independence is expected to be held, and Denmark has already stated that it will respect any outcome.

Trump had previously expressed a desire to buy Greenland in 2019. After Frederiksen called the proposal absurd, Trump abruptly canceled his visit to Denmark.

In the phone call, Frederiksen also emphasized that Danish companies contribute to growth and jobs in the US and that it is in the interest of the EU and the US to strengthen trade.

Last week, Trump threatened Denmark with high tariffs if it did not give up Greenland, which caused concern among Danish businesspeople.

The US is Denmark's second-largest export market, so targeted tariffs would significantly impact its economy.

A member of the Greenlandic parliament, Aaja Chemnitz, stated that she supports the Prime Minister's stance that decisions about Greenland should be made by Greenlanders.

- I have great confidence in the Prime Minister, as well as in Greenland's Prime Minister Egede. I believe it is important that they cooperate closely - she said.

Egede stated earlier this week that his government is ready to begin dialogue with the incoming Trump administration.

Opposition MP Rasmus Jarlov has a different opinion.

- It is completely unacceptable that Frederiksen relinquishes Denmark's rights to Greenland and places sovereignty solely in the hands of Greenlandic self-government when speaking with the President of the USA - he wrote on X.

Trump's comments and his son's visit to Greenland last week caused great concern in Denmark.

Faced with the possibility of damaging relations with its closest ally, Frederiksen chose her words carefully, while simultaneously emphasizing Greenland's right to self-determination.

Hans Redder, political editor for TV2, pointed out that the fact that Trump took 45 minutes to speak with Frederiksen is a sign that the issue of Greenland is something Trump is seriously considering, not just a passing thought.