US President Donald Trump has reiterated his belief that the Arctic territory should become part of the United Statessolare, a stance that has sparked tension with both Denmark and European allies. 

During a tense 45-minute phone conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Trump insisted that it would be an “unfriendly act” if Denmark refused to allow the transfer of Greenland, calling it vital for the protection of the “free world.”

“Greenland is not for sale,” Danish PM Fredriksen reaffirmed.

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Greenland, the world’s largest island, has been under Danish sovereignty for centuries, but it holds immense strategic and resource value in an increasingly contested Arctic region. Despite Trump’s fervent claims that Greenland’s 55,000 residents desire to join the US, both Denmark and Greenland’s local leaders have firmly rejected the idea of a sale.

“I think we're going to have it,” Trump told reporters on Saturday. “The people want to be with us.” However, his comments have been met with defiance from Danish and Greenlandic officials, highlighting the diplomatic fallout from his aggressive pursuit of the territory.

The phone call between Trump and Frederiksen, which took place last week, was described by European insiders as “horrendous” and “a cold shower.”

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Senior European officials who were briefed on the conversation noted that while Frederiksen stood firm in her rejection, offering to discuss expanded cooperation in areas like military bases and resource exploration, Trump remained insistent on the need for the US to acquire Greenland. The tense exchange has raised concerns over the future of transatlantic relations, as Europe grapples with the implications of Trump's ongoing demands.

“It was difficult to take it seriously before, but now there is no doubt he’s serious — and that it’s potentially very dangerous,” The Financial Times quoted a European official. The source added that the tone of the conversation underscored Trump’s willingness to pursue a more confrontational approach if necessary.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede quickly dismissed Trump’s suggestions and emphasized the island’s pursuit of full independence from Denmark. Similarly, Danish lawmakers, including Conservative MP Rasmus Jarlov, have made it clear that no matter the pressure, Greenland will remain under Danish sovereignty.

Despite this, Greenland’s status as an autonomous region under Danish control has made it a focal point for global powers, particularly as Russia and China increase their presence in the Arctic. With melting ice caps opening up new shipping routes and exposing valuable mineral deposits, the region has become a hotspot for geopolitical competition.

Trump has framed his push to acquire Greenland as part of a broader effort to protect US interests in the region. A spokesperson for the National Security Council pointed to the growing investments by Russia and China in the Arctic, calling Greenland’s security a matter of national defence for the US. “President Trump has been clear that the safety and security of Greenland is important to the United States, particularly as China and Russia invest heavily in the Arctic,” the spokesperson said.

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Despite the intense pressure from Trump, Denmark has held steady, asserting that Greenland’s future should be determined by its people. Frederiksen has also indicated a willingness to explore other avenues of cooperation, particularly in areas like defence and resource development.

However, the US president’s threats of tariffs on Danish products have prompted discussions within Denmark about the potential economic impact, with the Danish government preparing to engage major companies, including Novo Nordisk and Carlsberg, about possible fallout.

At the same time, Greenland’s desire for independence from Denmark remains a significant part of the conversation. While the island’s leaders reject foreign control, they have expressed openness to American investment, particularly in mining and tourismsolare, creating a complex diplomatic balancing act for both Denmark and the US.