Despite the escalating crisis over President Trump’s territorial ambitions, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has called for restoration of “the good cooperation we once had” with the United States, attempting to preserve productive bilateral relations while firmly rejecting annexation pressure. Nielsen’s appeal reflects Greenland’s complex position as an autonomous territory seeking to maintain beneficial relationships with both Denmark and the United States.
Nielsen emphasized that “we must restore the good cooperation we once had” and stressed the importance of trying to “re-establish contact” with Washington. This diplomatic approach acknowledges that Greenland and the United States have historically enjoyed productive cooperation, particularly regarding the American military base on Greenlandic territory and broader Arctic security matters. Nielsen’s statement suggests he believes constructive engagement remains possible despite current tensions.
This conciliatory tone contrasts somewhat with Nielsen’s forceful public confrontation of Trump, where he demanded “No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation.” The dual approach reflects Nielsen’s attempt to shut down Trump’s aggressive rhetoric while keeping diplomatic channels open for constructive engagement. He insisted that any dialogue must occur “through the proper channels and with respect for international law.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a far more severe warning, stating that any US military action against Greenland would completely destroy NATO and eighty years of transatlantic security cooperation. Her unprecedented ultimatum came after Trump’s military intervention in Venezuela, where American forces seized President Nicolas Maduro and announced indefinite US control. This aggressive precedent has intensified European concerns about potential military action against Greenland.
European nations have unified in support of Greenland and Denmark’s position, with the EU, Britain, France, and Nordic countries all affirming that only these two parties possess authority over the territory’s future. Denmark’s ambassador to Washington emphasized existing cooperation on Arctic security and urged continued alliance solidarity. The crisis escalated when Katie Miller, wife of Trump adviser Stephen Miller, posted imagery depicting Greenland in American flag colors, which Nielsen condemned as disrespectful while continuing to advocate for restored productive cooperation based on mutual respect and legal frameworks.