Denmark Fights Off U.S. Influence as Greenland’s New Government Pushes for Sovereignt

Amid growing U.S. interest in Greenland, Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, is set to visit the Arctic island on April 2 for high-stakes talks with its newly elected government. The visit comes in response to increasing pressure from Washington, with former U.S. President Donald Trump previously expressing interest in acquiring Greenland and current Vice President JD Vance openly questioning Denmark’s ability to govern the territory effectively.

Frederiksen’s trip follows Vance’s recent visit to a U.S. military base in northern Greenland, where he suggested that American leadership could better ensure the island’s security than Denmark. His remarks were met with resistance from both Danish and Greenlandic officials, reigniting concerns over U.S. ambitions in the Arctic.

Greenland’s incoming Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who won last month’s general election, has reaffirmed the territory’s commitment to eventual sovereignty. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with Denmark while warning against U.S. interference.

“Greenland seeks a respectful relationship with the United States,” Nielsen stated. “Talking about annexation and acquiring Greenland without respecting its sovereignty is not appropriate. Let’s start by showing mutual respect and build a strong partnership.”

Denmark, which has historically faced criticism over its colonial-era treatment of Greenlanders, is now scrambling to solidify its control over the semi-autonomous territory. Frederiksen fired back at U.S. criticisms, asserting that it is up to Greenlanders to determine their future, not Washington.

With geopolitical tensions in the Arctic intensifying, Frederiksen’s visit is being seen as a direct attempt to counter growing U.S. influence and prevent Greenland from slipping further into Washington’s orbit. The question remains: will Denmark succeed in holding onto Greenland, or is the island inching closer to breaking free from its colonial past?