Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen arrived in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, on Friday to meet with Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The visit shows Denmark's backing for Greenland during weeks of pressure from US President Donald Trump, who wants control of the Arctic island for national security reasons. Frederiksen flew in right after talks in Brussels with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about boosting defenses in the region.
Background
Greenland has been part of the Kingdom of Denmark since the early 1700s. It gained self-rule in 2009, handling its own internal affairs while Denmark manages foreign policy and defense. The island has about 57,000 people, mostly Inuit, and covers a huge area three times the size of Texas. Melting ice from climate change has opened up access to minerals like rare earths, oil, and gas, drawing interest from world powers.
Trump first talked about buying Greenland in 2019, calling it a strategic need. He brought it up again after taking office, saying the US must control it to block China and Russia. He claimed, without proof, that Chinese and Russian ships crowd the area. Denmark and Greenland rejected the idea outright, with leaders calling it impossible. Tensions rose over the past two weeks as Trump threatened tariffs on Europe and even hinted at stronger steps if Denmark did not agree.
Denmark has boosted its military presence on the island in response. A 1951 defense deal lets the US use bases there, like Thule Air Base, but only with notice to Denmark and Greenland. Past Danish policies, such as limits on the Inuit language and forced sterilizations, left bad feelings among Greenlanders. Many want full independence, but Trump's moves have pushed Greenland closer to Denmark for now.
Key Details
Frederiksen landed at Nuuk airport and got a hug from Nielsen on the tarmac. They went straight into private talks without a public event. Walking with Nielsen later, Frederiksen spoke to reporters.
"I am first and foremost in Greenland today to show our strong Danish support for the Greenlandic people. It's a very difficult time, everyone can see that," Frederiksen said. "It is a serious situation we are in. Now there is a diplomatic, political track that we will pursue."
She called the trip a working visit to plan next steps. Earlier that day, she met Rutte in Brussels. Rutte posted on X that they agreed to strengthen deterrence and defense in the Arctic.
Trump's Framework and Team
Trump said this week that he and Rutte formed a framework for a deal on Greenland and the whole Arctic. He posted on Truth Social that it would be great for the US and NATO if completed. Trump claimed the US gets everything it wants, lasting forever. He named Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to lead talks. The framework details are not public yet.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said it is just a starting point, not a full plan. He noted Trump shifted from owning Greenland to negotiating a solution.
Greenland's Preparations
Greenland authorities told people to stock supplies for five days in case of problems. They gave out a brochure with tips on handling power cuts and staying safe. Greenland's self-sufficiency minister Peter Borg said this is routine, started last year, and not tied to current events.
Nielsen stressed that only Greenland and Denmark can make deals. He said he did not know details of the Trump-Rutte talks but Nuuk must be involved.
What This Means
The visit signals Denmark will stand firm with Greenland on sovereignty, called a red line by both sides. Talks now focus on security, not sale or takeover. Renegotiating the 1951 defense pact could mean more US troops or bases, but with Danish and Greenland approval.
Trump's push tests NATO ties and Europe-US relations. Dropping tariff threats eases some pressure, but Arctic control matters more as ice melts and resources appear. China and Russia eye the area too, making it a hotspot.
Greenland's push for independence pauses while dealing with this. Ties with Denmark strengthen against outside pressure. Negotiations start soon, kept quiet to lower drama. Outcomes could reshape Arctic power for years.
Frederiksen's trip sets a diplomatic path. Both leaders aim to protect Greenland's say in its future. Security meetings with the US come next, centered on defense needs. The framework opens talks, but sovereignty stays key. Greenlanders watch closely as their island stays in world news.
