Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has strongly criticized the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump for exerting “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland, denouncing an upcoming visit by U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance. Frederiksen stated that the trip, involving Vice President JD Vance’s wife, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, disregards Greenland’s wishes and is an attempt to coerce both Greenland and Denmark. She emphasized that Greenlandic representatives have clearly opposed the visit, given the absence of a functioning government following recent elections.
Frederiksen’s remarks mark her most direct rebuke of Trump’s renewed efforts to assert control over Greenland, which holds vast critical mineral reserves and strategic importance in the Arctic. Trump has intensified his push for acquiring the territory, refusing to rule out military or economic coercion and calling it an “absolute necessity” for U.S. national security. The Danish prime minister warned that Trump’s intentions toward Greenland should be taken seriously, as they pose a significant threat to Denmark’s sovereignty.
Despite Denmark and Greenland maintaining defense cooperation with the U.S. under a 1951 agreement, Frederiksen asserted that Washington’s approach lacks respect. While reaffirming Denmark’s commitment to its alliance with the U.S., she insisted that forcing an unwanted visit undermines diplomatic relations and Greenland’s autonomy.
