Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has issued a warning that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s expansionist threats regarding Greenland are not a closed chapter, even if the prospect of a military intervention remains unlikely.
His comments come as Denmark assumes a larger role within the European Union, having taken over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.
“We do not see a military annexation as likely. Not at all. However, we do not consider the matter resolved,” Rasmussen told Euronews.
He added, “I’ve always argued that you should take Trump seriously, though not necessarily literally. But I’ve come to realize that these two concepts are becoming increasingly aligned, especially compared to his first term. So, we take it very, very seriously.”
Earlier this year, Trump shocked Europe when he refused to rule out the use of military force or economic pressure to take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic Ocean and its vast mineral wealth—crucial for advanced technologies—have drawn increasing interest as climate change accelerates ice melt and opens new geopolitical routes.
Despite this, the majority of Greenland’s 56,000 citizens remain firmly opposed to becoming part of the United States, according to public opinion polls.
In response to these rising concerns, Denmark has unveiled a new defense plan worth 14.6 billion Danish kroner (€1.95 billion) aimed at strengthening its military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions.
