'Will boost military presence': Denmark hits back at US' Greenland threat; to beef up Arctic defences

Denmark has said it will strengthen its military presence in Greenland and work with NATO allies to increase activity in the Arctic, responding to criticism from the United States that Copenhagen has neglected the defence of the strategically important territory.“We will continue to strengthen our military presence in Greenland, but we will also have an even greater focus within NATO on more exercises and an increased NATO presence in the Arctic,” Danish defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said in a statement to AFP on Wednesday. The comments came hours before a meeting at the White House involving officials from Greenland, Denmark and the United States to discuss the future of the autonomous Danish territory. Poulsen added that Denmark “has an ongoing dialogue with its Allies about new and increased activities in 2026.” Greenland, the world’s largest island, has gained renewed geopolitical attention because of its location between North America and Europe, its proximity to the Arctic shipping routes. Ever since the US operation in Venezuela to take out Maduro, Trump has shifted his focus on Greenland making repeated assertions from expressing willingness to buy the autonomous Danish territory to threatening invasion. US criticism of Denmark’s role in Greenland’s defence has been another bone of contention, with Trump insisting Copenhagen inability, and pointing to its strategic importance for US national security. The suggestion has been firmly rejected by both Denmark and Greenland. But Trump continues to has since reiterated that Greenland is vital to US security, keeping the issue in the public domain.Greenland is a self-governing territory within Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining responsibility for defence and foreign policy. Denmark’s latest comments signal an effort to reassure allies of its commitment to Arctic security and collective defence through NATO.The Danish announcement follows an escalation in rhetoric from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly questioned Denmark’s ability to secure Greenland and asserted that the island is critical to US national security. Trump’s focus on Greenland has intensified in recent weeks, particularly after the US-led operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.On Wednesday, Trump issued a fresh warning after Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, reiterated the territory’s commitment to Denmark. “That’s their problem. I disagree with them… but that’s going to be a big problem for him,” Trump said, when asked about Nielsen’s stance.Trump has openly pushed for the United States to acquire Greenland, arguing that the island could otherwise fall under Russian or Chinese influence. “Greenland should make the deal because Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over,” he said, while dismissing Denmark’s defence capabilities. “Do you know what their defense is? Two dog sleds,” Trump remarked, adding that Russian and Chinese naval activity in the Arctic posed a growing threat.While Trump said US forces already operate from bases in Greenland, he argued that this was insufficient. “You need ownership. You really have. You really need title,” he said, suggesting that US control of the territory was necessary.Both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected any suggestion of a sale. “We stand united in the Kingdom of Denmark,” Greenland PM Nielsen said earlier. Denmark’s prime minister has meanwhile described the situation as a “decisive moment” for the country amid Trump’s repeated threats.Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining responsibility for defence and foreign policy. Denmark’s latest statement signals an effort to reassure allies — particularly within NATO — of its commitment to Arctic security and collective defence, even as pressure from Washington continues to mount.