The cold January weather in Copenhagen mirrors the somber mood among Denmark’s politicians and business community as they respond to Donald Trump’s provocative threats regarding Greenland.
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen noted, “We take this situation very, very seriously,” addressing Trump’s intent to acquire Greenland while hinting at high tariffs on Denmark if it resists. However, he emphasized that the Danish government has “no ambition whatsoever to escalate some war of words.”
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen downplayed Trump’s assertion that military force might be used to seize Greenland, stating, “I don’t have the fantasy to imagine that it’ll ever get to that.” Lars Sandahl Sorensen, CEO of Danish Industry, advised maintaining calm, asserting that no one desires a trade war.
Despite these reassurances, emergency meetings among high-ranking officials have taken place to address the shock from Trump’s comments. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede met with Frederiksen and King Frederik X, while political leaders from various parties convened for an urgent discussion in Denmark’s parliament.
Frederiksen has aimed for a conciliatory approach, referring to the US as “Denmark’s closest partner.” Acknowledging the US interest in the Arctic and Greenland, she insisted that any decision about Greenland’s future lies with its people: “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders… and it’s the Greenlanders themselves who have to define their future.”
Her cautious stance stems from previous experiences; in 2019, Trump canceled a visit to Denmark after she labeled his proposal to buy Greenland as “absurd.” Political journalist Erik Holstein remarked, “This situation may represent a new normal, where Trump’s rhetoric is concerned.”
Some Danish lawmakers feel Frederiksen should have clearly rejected Trump’s idea of acquiring Greenland. Opposition MP Rasmus Jarlov expressed displeasure at Trump’s disrespect toward loyal allies, suggesting that Frederiksen’s comments placed undue pressure on Greenlanders and that Denmark should assert its disapproval of any US takeover.
Denmark’s historical ties with Greenland add complexity to the situation. Recently, the Greenlandic leader emphasized the need for the territory to break free from “the shackles of colonialism,” tapping into growing nationalist sentiments among its youth.
Many anticipate a successful independence referendum for Greenland, which, while a potential victory for autonomy advocates, may bring economic challenges given Greenland’s reliance on Denmark for 60% of its economy.
Social Democrat MP Karsten Honge underscored the necessity for Greenland to weigh its priorities regarding independence. While the territory enjoys a degree of self-governance, substantial subsidies from Denmark play a significant role in its economy, leading Jarlov to argue that Greenland is already close to being independent.
As Frederiksen navigates her response, the strongest rebukes to Trump’s remarks have come from abroad. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized the inviolability of borders, indicating widespread concern within the EU regarding a Trump presidency.
MP Karsten Honge cautioned that the implications of Trump’s approach extend far beyond Greenland and Denmark, warning of a world where international agreements could unravel, destabilizing global relations.
Trump’s threats of high tariffs on Danish imports have instilled fear within Denmark’s trade sector. A 2024 study indicated that if the US imposed a 10% tariff on EU imports, Denmark’s GDP could decline by three points. However, isolating Danish products from EU goods could prove difficult for the US, possibly leading to retaliatory actions.
As Trump’s inauguration approaches, Denmark’s political and business leaders are bracing themselves for potential challenges. There is cautious optimism that his focus may shift to other EU partners, temporarily sidelining the Greenland issue. Yet, uncertainty lingers over potential military actions and tariff threats.
Honge remarked that Denmark must accept any decisions made by the US. “They just need to send a small battleship to travel down the Greenland coast and a polite letter to Denmark,” he said, capturing the gravity of the situation while partially jesting. The evolving dynamics present a new reality for Denmark in light of Trump’s presidency.
Credit: BBC News
