(Bloomberg) — Denmark is prepared to allow the U.S. to expand its presence in Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said, as she works to ease a growing diplomatic dispute with the Trump administration over the strategically significant island.
Greenland already hosts the U.S. Thule Air Base, which monitors space and missile threats, but Frederiksen indicated that the U.S. could have “more options” there. Speaking ahead of a European Union leaders’ meeting in Brussels, Frederiksen emphasized the increasing importance of the Arctic in defense and security matters.
“I fully agree with the Americans that the High North, the Arctic region, is becoming increasingly critical for security, defense, and deterrence,” Frederiksen said Monday. “It’s possible to find ways to ensure a stronger footprint in Greenland for both Denmark and NATO.”
She stressed that any collaboration would be aimed at securing the region, adding, “If this is about protecting our part of the world, we can find a way forward.” Frederiksen was firm, however, in reiterating that Greenland is part of Denmark and “is not for sale.”
Her remarks came amid heightened tensions with Washington after President Donald Trump expressed a desire for the U.S. to acquire Greenland for national security purposes. In response, Frederiksen has sought backing from European allies, recently meeting with leaders from France, Germany, and the Nordic countries to strengthen Denmark’s position.
During Monday’s EU meeting, leaders expressed unanimous support for Denmark, according to an EU official.
Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. While Nuuk’s policymakers control most domestic matters, Denmark manages defense and foreign affairs. To bolster security in the region, Denmark is allocating 14.6 billion kroner ($2 billion) to strengthen its defense capabilities in the Arctic.
At a separate briefing with Danish reporters on Monday, Frederiksen responded to comments from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who suggested that Denmark isn’t a reliable ally.
“We have fought side by side with the Americans for many decades,” Frederiksen said. “I will not accept the claim that Denmark is a bad ally. We are not, we never have been, and we will not be in the future.”
Trump: I want no more property taxes across the United States
7/4/2025 10:14 PMTrump's "Big, Beautiful" has $1.1 trillion in health cuts and 11.8 million losing care
7/3/2025 7:31 PMTrump’s Big, Beautiful bill passes the House
7/3/2025 7:27 PMGas prices haven’t been this low for the Fourth of July since 2021
7/3/2025 4:32 PM
Stay Updated
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest financial insights and news.