Denmark Doesn’t ‘Appreciate the Tone’ of US Greenland Remarks, Minister Says
March 29, 2025
Copenhagen, Denmark – Tensions have flared between Denmark and the United States following recent comments made by U.S. officials regarding Greenland, the autonomous territory of Denmark. Denmark’s foreign minister has expressed dissatisfaction with the “tone” of the remarks, which she described as “unhelpful” and “disrespectful.”
The controversy began earlier this week when a high-ranking U.S. government official made remarks suggesting that Greenland, a resource-rich island located in the Arctic, should consider exploring “new relationships” with other countries, hinting at potential discussions about a more direct relationship with the United States. The comments were widely seen as an indication that the U.S. might be seeking a greater influence or even control over Greenland, which has been a territory of Denmark for centuries.
In response, Danish Foreign Minister Lene Espersen issued a statement on Thursday, strongly rejecting the tone of the comments. Espersen emphasized that Denmark and Greenland have a long-standing and mutually respectful relationship with the United States, but suggested that the U.S. should approach discussions in a manner that acknowledges Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland.
“We understand the United States’ interest in Greenland due to its strategic location and vast natural resources,” Espersen said in her statement. “However, we do not appreciate the tone in which these remarks were made. Greenland is part of Denmark, and any discussions regarding its future must respect our sovereignty and the wishes of the Greenlandic people.”
A Sensitive Topic for Denmark and Greenland
Greenland, which is geographically part of North America but politically tied to Denmark, has been the subject of growing geopolitical interest in recent years. The island’s vast natural resources, including rare earth minerals and oil, along with its strategic location in the Arctic, have attracted the attention of several global powers, particularly the U.S., China, and Russia.
In 2019, former U.S. President Donald Trump caused a stir when he proposed the idea of purchasing Greenland, an offer that was swiftly rejected by Denmark and Greenland’s leaders. This latest round of remarks by the U.S. government comes at a time of increasing global competition for resources in the Arctic region, as climate change opens up new shipping routes and access to previously untapped reserves.
For Denmark, Greenland’s political status is a delicate issue. While Greenland enjoys a significant degree of self-rule and has its own parliament, Denmark maintains control over defense and foreign policy, which has often been a source of tension. Greenland has increasingly sought more autonomy in recent years, with a growing number of Greenlandic politicians calling for greater independence from Denmark.
In her remarks, Minister Espersen emphasized that Denmark’s relationship with Greenland is based on mutual respect, and that any changes to the political status of Greenland would need to come from the people of Greenland itself.
“The future of Greenland is for the Greenlandic people to decide,” Espersen stated. “Denmark is committed to supporting Greenland in its aspirations, and we are dedicated to continuing our cooperation on the global stage, but these decisions must be made with respect and understanding.”
The United States’ Geopolitical Interests in Greenland
The U.S. has long seen Greenland as strategically important due to its location between North America and Europe. Greenland is home to Thule Air Base, a key U.S. military facility that provides a critical vantage point for monitoring the Arctic region and securing NATO’s northern flank.
In recent years, there has been an increased American interest in Greenland’s natural resources, particularly in light of the growing competition with China and Russia in the Arctic. The U.S. has been seeking stronger ties with Greenland and Denmark to ensure its influence in the region, particularly as global powers vie for control of the Arctic’s resources.
Some U.S. officials have also expressed concern about China’s growing presence in the Arctic and Greenland, with reports of Chinese companies seeking mining opportunities on the island. The U.S. has previously offered financial assistance and investments in Greenland’s infrastructure as part of its efforts to counterbalance Chinese influence in the region.
However, the recent remarks from U.S. officials are seen by many as overstepping diplomatic boundaries. The suggestion that Greenland might seek “new relationships” with other countries, bypassing Denmark’s authority, has raised alarms in Copenhagen and Nuuk (Greenland’s capital), where leaders have expressed concerns about the U.S. undermining their sovereignty.
Greenland’s Growing Desire for Autonomy
Greenland’s leaders have long advocated for greater self-rule, and the issue of independence has been an ongoing topic of debate. In 2009, Greenland entered into a new phase of self-rule under the Home Rule Agreement, which granted the island more control over domestic affairs, including lawmaking, natural resources, and economic policy.
Despite this autonomy, Denmark continues to oversee Greenland’s foreign and defense policies, which has led to occasional friction. Greenland’s government has expressed interest in pursuing full independence, but the process remains complicated by economic factors, particularly the island’s reliance on financial support from Denmark. Greenland’s annual subsidy from Denmark is significant, but it is unclear whether the island could support itself independently in the long term.
The growing interest from the U.S. and other countries in Greenland’s resources may further fuel these aspirations, but it also complicates the island’s geopolitical situation. Leaders in Greenland have made it clear that they want to maintain their autonomy while continuing to benefit from strong ties with Denmark and other international partners.
Diplomatic Strain Between Denmark and the U.S.
While both Denmark and the U.S. have expressed a commitment to their longstanding alliance, the recent remarks have put a strain on the diplomatic relationship. Denmark’s condemnation of the tone of the comments highlights the delicate balance the U.S. must strike in its dealings with Greenland, Denmark, and other Arctic nations.
In the coming days, it is expected that Danish and U.S. officials will engage in talks to address the tensions and clarify the intentions behind the comments. However, the controversy has already drawn significant attention to the future of Greenland’s political status and the growing international competition for influence in the Arctic.
For Denmark, the message is clear: while it welcomes cooperation with the U.S. and other nations, any discussion about Greenland’s future must respect its sovereignty and the rights of its people. The island’s future, as Minister Espersen pointed out, is for the Greenlandic people to determine—free from external pressure or coercion.
