Strengthening Alliances in Response to U.S. Pressure
Denmark is scrambling to navigate an escalating diplomatic standoff with the United States over Greenland, as President Donald Trump’s repeated interest in the territory has led to economic and military threats. In response, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is rallying European allies, emphasizing unity while carefully avoiding provocation.
In recent weeks, Frederiksen has traveled to Berlin, Paris, and Brussels, seeking to forge a European front against potential U.S. sanctions. Political analysts suggest her strategy is clear: Denmark alone cannot resist Trump’s pressure, but a united European stance could make a difference.
A Calculated Diplomatic Approach
Frederiksen is prioritizing diplomacy and de-escalation. Since Trump renewed his ambitions to acquire Greenland in December, Denmark has maintained a measured response. Officials have repeatedly underscored that Greenlanders will decide their own future, acknowledging U.S. security concerns while proposing closer cooperation instead of confrontation.
To reinforce this approach, Danish officials have urged other European leaders to tread carefully, avoiding rhetoric that could aggravate Trump. Notably, EU leaders have refrained from citing Article 42(7) of the European Treaty, which mandates mutual defense among member states. Instead, European Council President António Costa subtly reinforced European unity by tweeting about a desire for a strong transatlantic partnership—while also stating that the EU will always defend its citizens and democratic integrity.
Frederiksen is acutely aware that provoking Trump could lead to unpredictable consequences. “If you strike back and push Trump into a corner, he will be unpredictable,” warned Bent Winther, a political commentator for the Danish newspaper Berlingske.
Greenland is not for sale. Greenland has been part of Denmark for 800 years, more then double of the time the US has existed.
Any true patriot should understand that this is an uacceptable attack on national sovereignty! pic.twitter.com/SlHbR5OGjg
— Anders Vistisen (@AndersVistisen) January 21, 2025
Greenland at the Heart of U.S.-Denmark Tensions
Greenland, an autonomous territory under the Danish crown, has been a focal point of U.S. geopolitical interest. Trump’s recent actions—including sending his son, Donald Trump Jr., to hand out “Make America Great Again” caps in Nuuk—have raised alarms in Copenhagen.
Denmark has swiftly moved to strengthen ties with Greenland’s government and increase investments in its defense. Parliament recently approved €1.9 billion for additional naval vessels and drones to protect the island. Proposals related to Greenland are also being fast-tracked, including an anti-racism agenda to improve relations between Danes and Greenlanders.
Despite Trump’s push, Greenlanders have shown little interest in becoming part of the United States. A recent poll by Berlingske and Sermitsiaq found that 85% of Greenlanders rejected U.S. ownership, with only 6% in favor and 9% undecided.
Echoes of Past Clashes and Lessons Learned
Denmark has had a difficult history with Trump’s Greenland ambitions. In 2019, when Trump first floated the idea of purchasing Greenland, Frederiksen dismissed it as absurd, remarking, “I keep hoping this is not meant seriously.” The response infuriated Trump, who retaliated by canceling a planned visit to Copenhagen and calling Frederiksen “nasty”.
This time, Denmark is taking a different approach. Officials quickly took action when Trump revived the issue in December, well before he re-entered the White House. Unlike in 2019, Trump now wields greater influence, with fewer advisors to restrain him, making his approach even more aggressive.
Greenland is not the only country experiencing Trump’s “bully diplomacy.” In recent months, the U.S. has also applied pressure on Colombia and Panama, using economic threats to push its agenda. Colombia, for example, initially resisted U.S. deportation flights but ultimately backed down after Trump threatened import tariffs.
Divisions Within Denmark
While Frederiksen remains committed to a diplomatic approach, some Danish politicians are calling for a stronger stance against Trump. Anders Vistisen, a right-wing Danish People’s Party politician, went viral for his blunt message in the European Parliament:
“President Trump, let me put it in a way you might understand: f* off.”**
His remarks were quickly picked up by U.S. media, including CNN, fueling further debate over Denmark’s strategy.
What’s Next? Waiting for Trump’s Next Move
For now, Denmark is bracing for Trump’s next move. With Greenland off the table for sale and Greenlanders themselves rejecting the idea of joining the U.S., the question remains: What will Trump do next?
“We are all waiting for Trump’s next move,” says Berlingske commentator Winther. “Nobody knows.”
SOURCE: DM