The growing tension between Denmark and the United States, fueled by President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about acquiring Greenland, has left Danish citizens feeling uneasy about US intentions. A recent YouGov poll reveals startling statistics: 46% of respondents believe the US poses either a "very big threat" or a "fairly big threat" to Denmark. This sentiment marks the US as more concerning than even North Korea, which received 44%, and Iran at 40%.
The alarming findings from the survey, published by The Guardian, highlight rising unease among the Danish public as discussions surrounding Greenland become increasingly heated. This Arctic territory, home to approximately 57,000 residents, remains under Danish control, yet Trump has persistently suggested its acquisition by the US, igniting backlash from various political figures.
On January 15, during what has been described as a "dangerous" phone call, Trump reportedly pressured Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to cede Greenland. A senior European official stated, “It was a cold shower. Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But I do think it is serious, and potentially very dangerous,” referring to the seriousness of Trump’s statements during this exchange, as reported by The Financial Times.
Following his inauguration, Trump declared, "I think Greenland we'll get because it has to do with freedom of the world." He stated, "I don't really know what claim Denmark has to it, but it would be a very unfriendly act if they didn't allow it to happen because it's for the protection of the free world." Such assertions have not only alarmed Danish officials but have also reinforced public doubts about US motives.
The Danish government, represented vigorously by Frederiksen, has responded to Trump's remarks with firmness. Frederiksen emphasized the importance of unified European support against what she termed the "new dynamics" of cooperation with the US. She stated, “I want to make sure all of Europe stands together... Everyone can see it will be different collaboration with the USA now.” Meanwhile, Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen reiterated, “We have no interest in selling Greenland to the U.S., it will not happen,” quelling any speculation of negotiations over the territory.
Public sentiment reflected this government stance, as 78% of Danes strongly oppose Greenland being put up for sale. The isolationist rhetoric coming from Trump seems to revitalize national pride among the Greenlandic people and amplifies their desire to retain sovereignty over their land.
The poll results and the political rhetoric seem to align with Fredriksens’s desire for stronger European unity against the backdrop of Trump’s threats. Denmark’s positioning aims not only to safeguard its own territorial integrity but also conveys to the international community the importance of solidarity amid threats from powerful states like the US.
Contrary to Trump’s notion of Greenland’s autonomy as negotiable, many experts argue the geopolitical significance of Greenland has been overstated. Indeed, the territory’s vast natural resources, including minerals and potential oil reserves, have caught the eye of not just the US but also China, which fuels discussions about strategic partnerships.
The weight of these developments raises pertinent questions about the future of US-Danish relations. Historically, both nations have valued camaraderie as NATO allies, but Trump’s overtures have jeopardized this relationship. The US's role as protectorate puts Denmark in a difficult position, intertwining their military reliance with the preservation of Danish sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the global community watches closely as Denmark navigates these treacherous diplomatic waters. Reports of heavy oil and gas exploration interest from various nations, including the US and China, juxtaposes sharply against Denmark’s firm stance not just on territorial integrity but also on the rights of Greenlanders to self-determination.
Given the public's negative opinion toward the US, the early indications of economic repercussions are setting the stage for possibly strained commercial relations. Should Trump continue to threaten tariffs or even provoke military posturing, the effects are likely to extend far beyond diplomatic exchanges, potentially causing real disruptions to industries reliant on Danish exports.
The US imported products worth $5.7 billion from Denmark, including pharmaceuticals like Ozempic, and popular children’s toys from the Lego Group, among other goods. With rising tensions, any hint of tariffs could raise prices substantially and impact American consumers, who already experience high costs for these goods.
Hence, as diplomatic rhetoric fluctuates, the stakes remain high not only for Greenland but for both nations as they seek to define their relationship moving forward. The world is watching closely, and the repercussions of these disputes could reshape not only US and Danish relations but perhaps the broader dynamics of global alliances.