The foreign minister of Denmark has criticized the tone of remarks made by the administration of former President Donald Trump regarding Denmark’s involvement in Greenland. He stated that Denmark is already increasing its investments in Arctic security and is open to further collaboration with the US.
Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed these strong views in a video shared on social media on Saturday, following US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to the strategically significant island.
“Numerous accusations and claims have been made. Naturally, we are receptive to criticism,” Rasmussen said in English.
“However, let me be perfectly clear: we do not appreciate the manner in which it is being expressed. This is not how one speaks to close allies. I continue to regard Denmark and the United States as close allies.”
During a brief visit on Friday, Vance criticized Denmark for not adequately ensuring Greenland’s protection and suggested that the US could do a better job safeguarding the semi-autonomous Danish territory, which Trump has expressed interest in acquiring.
“Our message to Denmark is quite straightforward: You have not adequately served the people of Greenland,” Vance stated on Friday. “You have underfunded the wellbeing of the Greenlandic people and the security framework of this extraordinary, beautiful territory filled with remarkable individuals. This must change.”
The US has indicated that both Russia and China have strategic interests in Greenland.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also countered Vance’s assertion that Denmark is insufficiently committed to Arctic defense, asserting that her nation is “a good and strong ally.”
“For many years, we have stood shoulder to shoulder with Americans in challenging circumstances,” she mentioned, recalling Danish military contributions alongside US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, where numerous Danes lost their lives.
“The Vice President’s remarks regarding Denmark are not accurate,” she added.
Vance was accompanied by his wife Usha, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and his spouse, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and former Homeland Security Advisor Julia Nesheiwat, who is Waltz’s wife.
The Vice President emphasized that the US has “no choice” but to take a significant stance to guarantee the island’s security, while encouraging increased efforts for Greenland’s independence from Denmark.
“I believe they ultimately will choose to partner with the United States,” Vance remarked. “We can offer them enhanced security. We could provide much greater protection. And I think their economy would improve considerably as well.”
Greenland has its say
The response from Greenland’s parliament members and residents to Trump’s attempt to annex the island has been one of intense opposition.
Greenlandic lawmakers on Thursday resolved to establish a new government, uniting to counter Trump’s advances. Four of the five parties elected to Greenland’s parliament earlier this month have agreed to form a coalition, holding 23 of 31 seats in the legislature.
Incoming Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated at a news conference on Friday that there’s a need for unity during this critical period.
“It is crucial that we set aside our differences… because only through unity can we effectively manage the significant external pressures we face,” he asserted.
The Danish foreign minister highlighted that Denmark has stepped up its investment in Arctic defense.
In January, Denmark pledged 14.6 billion Danish kroner (approximately $2.1 billion) towards Arctic security, which includes three new naval vessels, long-range drones, and satellites.
1951 US-Denmark defense agreement
In his video, Rasmussen also referenced the 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the US. He noted that since 1945, the US military presence in Greenland has diminished from thousands of soldiers across 17 bases and installations to the remote Pituffik Space Base in the northwest, which hosts about 200 soldiers.
The 1951 agreement “provides ample opportunity for the United States to establish a more robust military presence in Greenland,” the foreign minister asserted. “If that is your desire, let’s discuss it.”
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Saturday outside the US embassy in Copenhagen, the Danish capital, with some holding signs that read “back off, USA,” according to Danish broadcaster TV2.
Trump has maintained that the US requires the vast Arctic island for both national and international security, and has not ruled out the possibility of using force to acquire it.
“We are not just discussing peace for the United States. We are talking about global peace. We are talking about international security,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday.
When asked about the potential use of force to annex the territory, Vance emphasized the US administration does not believe that “will ever be necessary.”
