Denmark Warns U.S. Against Targeting NATO Allies
"If the U.S. attacks another NATO country, everything stops," Mette Frederiksen said, responding to questions during an interview with a Danish broadcaster about the implications of potential U.S. force against a fellow NATO member.
Frederiksen also sharply criticized renewed statements by U.S. President Donald Trump asserting that the United States “needs” Greenland, calling his rhetoric “unacceptable pressure” on the autonomous Arctic territory.
"Unfortunately, I think the American president should be taken seriously when he says he wants Greenland," she said, emphasizing that both Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected any proposal for the island to become part of the United States.
While acknowledging uncertainty over Washington’s future actions, Frederiksen underscored European unity on territorial sovereignty, saying that "there is full support from Europe that borders must be respected."
Her remarks come as European leaders close ranks behind Denmark after Trump again raised the prospect of acquiring Greenland, describing the territory as vital to U.S. defense interests.
"Borders cannot be changed by force," said French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux in comments to local media, adding that France stands in “solidarity” with Denmark.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking to a news agency, highlighted Denmark’s NATO membership and Greenland’s status within the Danish Realm, stating, "The future of Greenland is for the Kingdom of Denmark and for Greenland themselves."
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul noted separately that Greenland, as part of Denmark, would in principle fall under NATO’s collective defense obligations.
The latest tensions intensified after Trump said Sunday in a telephone interview with media that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland.
Frederiksen responded the same day with a statement rejecting any U.S. claim over the territory, urging Washington to halt threats directed at a close ally and the Greenlandic population.
Diplomatic strains have also been fueled by Trump’s decision last month to appoint Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland.
Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly voiced interest in asserting control over Greenland, saying he would not rule out the use of "military or economic coercion" to pursue that objective.
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