Danish prime minister pushes back against US comments on Greenland

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. could take control of Greenland unacceptable, according to the BBC.

Her comments came after Katie Miller, the wife of Trump adviser Stephen Miller, posted an image on social media showing Greenland in U.S. flag colors with the word «soon.» Trump also reiterated that Greenland is essential to U.S. national security because of its location and natural resources.

Frederiksen said discussing the annexation of any part of the Danish kingdom is unreasonable. She emphasized that both Denmark and Greenland are NATO members and already collaborate closely with the U.S. on Arctic security. She urged Washington to cease, as she described, making threats against a long-time ally and a population that opposes annexation.

Greenland has a population of about 57,000 and has enjoyed extensive self-government since 1979. Still, Denmark continues to manage defense and foreign policy and strongly opposes any attempt to influence Greenland’s politics. While independence from Denmark remains a future goal for many Greenlanders, polls indicate most do not favor joining the U.S., the BBC reported.