Danes and Greenlanders living in fear: Trump may still be planning an invasion

Almost immediately after his election, former US President Donald Trump pushed the idea that Greenland—a mineral-rich, autonomous island belonging to Denmark—should join the United States. Both sides resisted at the time, but the Danish Prime Minister believes Trump has not abandoned his plan and will return to claim the territory. Notably, the world’s largest island currently hosts a US military base.

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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen insists that Trump’s ambition to acquire Greenland for America is far from over, warning that those affected cannot relax just yet. Although Trump has shifted focus to other issues recently, Frederiksen expects the topic to resurface soon.

Trump’s obsession with Greenland stemmed from its untapped mineral wealth, including rare earth elements vital to the American economy. At one point, the White House did not rule out deploying troops or applying strong economic pressure to secure these resources. This marks a drastic shift from the post-World War II global order, which prioritised preventing any great power from oppressing smaller nations or annexing territories. Now, it seems both the Russian and American presidents are seeking to rewrite these rules.

At least 60,000 people live in fear of Trump

Frederiksen highlighted that Trump’s apparent temporary reprieve is just that—temporary. He will return to the issue, so no one can breathe easy yet. She made these remarks at the opening session of the Danish Parliament.

According to Vladimir Putin, it’s no joke that the Americans want Greenland. Frederiksen described the situation unflinchingly: “Imagine what it’s like to live in one of the small settlements along the coast … when the world’s strongest superpower has talked about you as something that can be bought, as something that can be owned, as something that must be had”, she added.

“No matter what happens, we support Greenland in determining its own future. And we will not be threatened or intimidated into doing something that is clearly wrong”, she highlighted.

Seeking new allies

Since Trump’s threat, Greenland has been working to strengthen its relations with the European Union and the United Kingdom, especially regarding critical minerals. Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s Foreign Minister, stated in May that they are seeking trade partnerships with all like-minded countries and condemned Trump’s belligerent behaviour.

Greenland’s Premier, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, is set to speak extensively about the situation at the European Parliament today.

US military presence remains on the island

The US military base on Greenland was placed under the command of the US Northern Command in June, shifting from the European Command’s responsibility. This change aims to enhance combined military defence capabilities across the Western Hemisphere and deepen ties with partners and allies in the Arctic region.

Many viewed the multinational military exercise on the island last September—which involved over 550 soldiers from Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway, but relegated the US to observer status—as a pointed message from Europe that it can protect its interests in Greenland.

Greenland left the European Economic Community (the EU’s predecessor) in 1985, having initially joined in 1973 as part of Denmark, but chose to pursue a separate path in 1982.