Trump’s Greenland Bid: Nordic Nations Reject Claims

Former President Donald Trump has asserted that Greenland is experiencing a significant presence of Russian and Chinese naval activity, prompting him to call for the U.S. to take control of the island for national security reasons. These claims have drawn criticism from European leaders who dispute the assessment and defend Denmark’s sovereignty.

Greenland Security Concerns

Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated there was “very little” Russian or Chinese activity near Greenland, though he acknowledged ongoing Russian submarine movements closer to Norway. Leaders of all five parties in Greenland’s parliament also jointly stated late Friday, “We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders.”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson voiced strong disapproval of the Trump administration’s rhetoric regarding both Venezuela and Greenland, citing concerns about international law. “We are probably even more critical of the rhetoric that is being expressed against Greenland and Denmark,” Kristersson said, adding that the rules-based international order is under strain.

Kristersson urged the U.S. to recognize Denmark’s longstanding alliance, suggesting the U.S. “should thank Denmark” rather than questioning its control over Greenland.