In Nuuk, Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is scheduled to embark on a three-day visit starting Wednesday, focusing on strengthening relations with Greenlandic officials amid increasing interest from the Trump administration in controlling the Arctic region. This visit follows U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s recent tour of a U.S. air base in Greenland, during which he criticized Denmark for insufficient investment in the territory.
Greenland, an island rich in minerals and vital for strategic purposes, has become more accessible due to climate change. Although it is geographically part of North America, it remains a semiautonomous entity under the Kingdom of Denmark. President Trump has highlighted its significance to U.S. security.
During her visit, Frederiksen is set to meet with the new Greenlandic leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, following a recent election that resulted in a change of government. Discussions are also planned with the future Naalakkersuisut, Greenland’s Cabinet, until Friday.
In an official statement, Frederiksen expressed her admiration for how the Greenlandic people and their officials manage the pressure facing the territory, emphasizing topics of cooperation between Greenland and Denmark as part of her agenda. Greenland, with a population of about 57,000, has been pursuing independence from Denmark over the years.
The Trump administration’s comments, suggesting potential acquisition of Greenland by any means, including military force, have sparked discontent in both Greenland and Denmark. In response to these tensions, the new government in Greenland seeks a more deliberate approach to the discussion of independence. The Naleraq party, which aligns with the U.S. administration’s views and advocates for swift independence, has been excluded from forming the coalition government.
According to Peter Viggo Jakobsen, an associate professor at the Danish Defense Academy, the Trump administration’s ambitions could inadvertently strengthen ties between Greenland and Denmark, as most Greenlanders are wary of the U.S. president.
