Greenland PM Affirms Loyalty to Denmark Amid US Pressure

Tue Jan 13 2026 22:38:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent press conference, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen declared that if faced with a choice, Greenlanders would prefer Denmark over the US, particularly in light of renewed annexation interests from President Trump.

Greenland's Prime Minister made a definitive statement at a news conference, emphasizing that if given a choice between Denmark and the US amidst geopolitical tensions, the island's residents would prefer to remain with Denmark. This comes in response to heightened American interest in Greenland's strategic and resource-rich location.

Greenland's prime minister has stated his people's preference for Denmark over the US should they be asked to choose 'here and now'. Jens-Frederik Nielsen made this assertion during a joint press conference with Denmark's Prime Minister, marking a strong reaction against US President Donald Trump's renewed interest in annexing the island.

Trump has claimed that the US needs to control Greenland to bolster defense against threats from Russia and China, suggesting a potential purchase or even annexation. However, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark has voiced strong opposition, warning that any military action would jeopardize NATO alliances.

Nielsen highlighted the strategic importance of Greenland, located between North America and the Arctic, as well as its vast natural resources, including rare earth minerals and potential oil reserves. He condemned Trump’s statements as 'completely unacceptable pressure'. Both leaders reiterated that Greenland does not want US governance or ownership.

With Denmark's NATO allies voicing support, they collectively emphasized that issues concerning Greenland should be decided only by Denmark and the island itself.