Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said his people would choose Denmark over the United States if forced to decide “here and now” during a joint news conference in Copenhagen.
The comments came alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen following renewed remarks by US President Donald Trump about annexing the Arctic island.
Trump has argued the United States needs to own Greenland to protect against Russia and China, with the White House floating the idea of a purchase while not ruling out force.
Denmark, a Nato ally of the United States, warned that any use of military power would undermine the trans-Atlantic defence alliance.
Asked about Nielsen’s remarks, Trump responded:
That’s their problem, I disagree with him… That’s going to be a big problem for him.
Greenland’s strategic location between North America and the Arctic makes it critical for missile early-warning systems and maritime monitoring.
Trump has repeatedly claimed Greenland is vital to US national security, alleging without evidence that Russian and Chinese ships operate widely in the area.
The United States already stations more than 100 troops at the Pituffik military base, which has operated since the Second World War.
Existing agreements with Denmark allow Washington to deploy additional forces to Greenland if needed.
Trump said last week that leasing arrangements were insufficient and that the United States “had to have ownership”.
Frederiksen condemned what she called “completely unacceptable pressure from our closest ally”.
She warned that the most difficult phase of the dispute may still lie ahead.
Nielsen said Greenland was facing a geopolitical crisis but stressed the island’s stance was firm.
If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark.
He said.
Greenland does not want to be owned, governed by, or be part of the United States.
Nielsen said.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Vivian Motzfeldt are due to visit Washington for talks with Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.