OSLO, Jan. 2 — Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Thursday evening rebuked renewed talk of acquiring Greenland, saying that Denmark’s “closest ally” should not treat another country and its people as something to be bought and owned.
Without explicitly naming the United States, Frederiksen said the past year was characterized by “threats, pressure, and condescending talk” from a country she described as Denmark’s “closest ally through a lifetime.”
Speaking from her official residence, Frederiksen addressed a range of issues, including the economy and social welfare, but reserved her tough language for the geopolitical pressures facing the country, particularly concerning the Arctic territory of Greenland.
“Now again the conflict over Greenland — over the Kingdom,” Frederiksen said, referring to renewed diplomatic frictions. She criticized the mindset behind the pressure as an outdated view of the world — “about wanting to take over another country, another people.
As if it were something one could buy and own.” “We shoulder our responsibility in the world. It is not us seeking any conflict,” she said.
“But let no one be in doubt: No matter what happens, we will stand firm on what is right and wrong.” Her remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland on Dec. 21, 2025, renewing diplomatic tension between Washington and the Danish Realm.
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out the use of “military or economic coercion” to achieve that goal. (Namibia Daily News / Xinhua)
