Greenland's prime minister said Monday that the Danish autonomous territory will not accept a U.S. takeover "under any circumstance," urging NATO to guarantee its defense as President Donald Trump renews calls for the United States to acquire the Arctic island.
"The United States has once again reiterated its desire to take over Greenland. This is something the government coalition in Greenland cannot accept under any circumstances," Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a statement.
"Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark," the statement continued. "As a part of the Realm, Greenland is a member of NATO, and the defense of Greenland must therefore be ensured through NATO."
Nielsen said Greenland and Denmark will work within the NATO framework to strengthen defenses around the territory, emphasizing that security in the region is a shared alliance responsibility — including for the U.S.
"All NATO member states share a common interest in the defense of Greenland," Nielsen said, adding that future defense development should take place "in close cooperation with NATO."
Trump has openly floated buying or annexing Greenland, citing U.S. national security concerns. He escalated tensions Sunday by saying the U.S. would take the territory "one way or the other," alarming leaders in Greenland and Denmark.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance is discussing "next steps" to bolster Arctic security, though diplomats said no formal proposal has yet been approved. Some NATO members have suggested launching a new mission focused on the region.
Trump has argued Greenland is strategically critical due to its location and its largely untapped natural resources, including rare earth minerals essential to modern technology. The island also hosts a long-standing U.S. military base.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any U.S. military action against Greenland would effectively end NATO. Even so, Denmark has moved to strengthen Arctic defenses, allocating roughly $14 billion in 2025 for regional security.
Rutte said Denmark would not oppose an expanded U.S. military presence on the island. Under a 1951 defense treaty, updated in 2004, the United States can deploy additional forces by notifying Copenhagen.
Diplomatic efforts are also underway. Danish and Greenlandic officials are expected to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week in Washington, according to media reports. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen signaled unity by posting a photo Monday with Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt.
Acknowledging public anxiety, Nielsen said, "I fully understand if there is unease," while reiterating that Greenland will reject any U.S. takeover.
Greenland, a former Danish colony until 1953, gained home rule in 1979 and has steadily expanded its autonomy, with some leaders openly discussing eventual independence from Denmark.
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