Denmark and Greenland have reiterated that Greenland’s sovereignty is not negotiable following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting a future Arctic security framework that would give the United States extensive access to the territory.
Trump said after meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that the U.S. would gain “total access” to Greenland, including military access. However, NATO clarified that no compromise on sovereignty was discussed during the talks.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Arctic security discussions within NATO are appropriate but stressed that Denmark’s territorial integrity cannot be negotiated. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said he was unaware of any concrete agreement and emphasized that sovereignty remains a “red line,” even as Greenland remains open to deeper security cooperation.
The U.S. already maintains a military presence in Greenland under a 1951 treaty that allows expanded access with Danish and Greenlandic consent. Talks between Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. are expected to continue, focusing on preventing Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic.
