Danish Foreign Minister Rebukes U.S. Over Greenland Remarks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Denmark’s foreign minister criticized the Trump administration for its tone and accusations regarding Greenland and Arctic security. Responding to Vice President JD Vance’s sharp remarks during a visit to Greenland, Lars Løkke Rasmussen defended Denmark’s investments and reaffirmed U.S.-Denmark ties.
Denmark Rebukes U.S. Over Greenland Comments Quick Looks
- Danish Foreign Minister scolds Trump administration over harsh tone
- JD Vance accuses Denmark of “underinvesting” in Greenland’s security
- Denmark reaffirms Arctic defense commitments and alliance with U.S.
- Vance encourages Greenland to consider independence from Denmark
- Greenlandic lawmakers unite to resist Trump’s annexation attempts
- U.S. presence in Greenland reduced since WWII-era agreements
- Rasmussen highlights $2.1B Danish Arctic defense investment
- Tensions rise over U.S. ambitions in mineral-rich Arctic territory
- Vance visits Pituffik Space Base but itinerary scaled back
- Danish PM defends Denmark’s record as “a strong ally”
Danish Foreign Minister Rebukes U.S. Over Greenland Remarks
Deep Look
Denmark Pushes Back as U.S. Criticism Escalates Over Greenland and Arctic Security
NUUK, Greenland — Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen issued a sharp rebuke to the Trump administration on Saturday, criticizing its “tone” and “accusations” regarding Denmark’s role in Greenland’s security and development.
In a video posted on social media following U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Greenland, Rasmussen defended Denmark’s Arctic policy and urged Washington to treat its allies with respect.
“Many accusations and many allegations have been made,” Rasmussen said. “But let me be completely honest: we do not appreciate the tone in which it is being delivered. This is not how you speak to your close allies. And I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies.”
U.S. Turns Up Pressure on Greenland Autonomy
Vice President Vance visited the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on Friday alongside his wife and other senior U.S. officials. His remarks, however, sparked outrage in both Denmark and Greenland.
“You have underinvested in the people of Greenland and in the security architecture of this incredible landmass,” Vance declared, accusing Denmark of failing to adequately support the island. “That has to change.”
Vance further implied the U.S. might pursue a more direct role in Greenland’s future, saying the United States had “no option” but to ensure Greenland’s security and even encouraged the idea of Greenlandic independence from Denmark.
“We could do a lot more protection. And I think they’d fare a lot better economically as well,” he said, suggesting a future alignment between Greenland and the U.S.
Greenland Pushes Back
The comments quickly drew condemnation from Greenland’s political leaders. On Thursday, four of the five parties elected to Greenland’s parliament earlier this month agreed to form a coalition government specifically aimed at resisting the Trump administration’s efforts to assert influence over the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Public backlash also led to a scaled-down itinerary for Vance’s visit. He was originally scheduled to attend a sled dog race in Greenland, but that appearance was canceled amid local disapproval.
Denmark Defends Arctic Record
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also pushed back, defending Denmark’s defense record and its long-standing role in the Arctic.
“We are a good and strong ally,” she said, countering Vance’s claims of Danish neglect.
In his address, Rasmussen pointed to Denmark’s substantial and growing investments in Arctic security. In January, Denmark announced a 14.6 billion Danish kroner (US$2.1 billion) package that includes new naval vessels, long-range drones, and satellite systems.
He also reminded viewers of the historic 1951 U.S.-Denmark defense agreement, which still governs American military access to Greenland. While the U.S. presence on the island has significantly declined since World War II, Rasmussen noted that the agreement still allows for expanded military cooperation.
“If that is what you wish, then let us discuss it,” Rasmussen said, referring to any U.S. desire for a greater presence.
Strategic Arctic Stakes
Greenland, a vast island rich in rare minerals and increasingly central to Arctic geopolitics, has long been of strategic interest to the U.S. In 2019, former President Trump famously floated the idea of “buying” Greenland — a proposal Denmark quickly rejected.
Now, under Trump’s second term, renewed interest in the Arctic — particularly amid growing Russian and Chinese presence — has elevated tensions around Greenland’s role and future.
While the U.S. has reaffirmed its strategic priorities, Denmark remains committed to both defending its sovereign territory and maintaining transatlantic unity.
“We are open to criticism,” Rasmussen said. “But respect must be mutual.”
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