Trump’s Annexation Rhetoric Sparks Greenland PM’s Rejection of a Venezuela-Style Takeover

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen moved swiftly on Monday to calm growing public anxiety after repeated statements by US President Donald Trump reignited speculation about a possible American annexation of the Arctic island. Speaking amid heightened geopolitical tensions, Nielsen emphasized that Greenland is focused on strengthening international cooperation and that its citizens should not fear an imminent takeover by the United States.

Nielsen’s remarks came just days after a dramatic US military operation in Venezuela, which reportedly led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. That episode triggered unease in Greenland—an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark—over the possibility of unilateral American action elsewhere. Trump’s renewed comments about Greenland’s strategic importance further intensified those concerns.

Addressing reporters at a press conference in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, Nielsen urged restraint and warned against drawing alarmist parallels. He said comparisons between Greenland and Venezuela were fundamentally flawed and risked unnecessarily frightening the public.

“We are not in a situation where we believe a takeover could happen overnight,” Nielsen said, according to a translated transcript. “Greenland and Venezuela are not comparable. We are a democratic society.”

The Greenlandic leader struck a firmer tone later in a Facebook post, writing: “Enough is enough. No more fantasies about annexation.” The statement was widely interpreted as a direct rebuke of Trump’s rhetoric.

Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is vital to US national security. In an interview with The Atlantic published on Sunday, he reiterated his position, stating, “We do need Greenland, absolutely. For defense, we require it.”

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One early Monday, Trump said he would revisit the issue “in a few weeks,” without offering further details, leaving room for continued speculation.

Denmark Warns Against Dismissing US Intentions

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cautioned against treating Trump’s comments as mere political theater. Speaking to Danish public broadcaster DR, she stressed that the statements should be taken seriously.

“Unfortunately, I believe the American president should be taken seriously when he says he wants Greenland,” Frederiksen said. “I have made Denmark’s position very clear, and Greenland has repeatedly stated that it does not wish to become part of the United States.”

Frederiksen also highlighted the grave security implications of any hostile action involving Greenland, which falls under Denmark’s NATO umbrella.

“If the United States were to attack another NATO country, everything would come to a halt,” she warned, underscoring the unprecedented nature of such a scenario.

Why Greenland Matters to the United States

Home to approximately 57,000 people, Greenland is the world’s largest island and occupies a strategically critical position between North America and Europe. While it is not an independent NATO member, it is part of the alliance through Denmark, a key US ally.

Greenland plays a central role in the US ballistic missile defense system due to its Arctic location. Additionally, its vast reserves of rare earth minerals and other natural resources have attracted Washington’s attention, particularly as the US seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains.

Last month, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland. Landry’s public support for closer integration with the United States sparked unease in Copenhagen and across several European capitals.

European leaders responded quickly by reaffirming their support for Greenland’s sovereignty and right to self-determination.

“The future of Greenland must be decided by Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark—by nobody else,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday.

Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also weighed in, suggesting that NATO should explore ways to further enhance Greenland’s security in light of rising geopolitical pressures.

As global tensions rise and Trump’s statements continue to reverberate, Greenland’s leadership has made its stance clear: the island is open to cooperation, but not coercion—and comparisons to Venezuela will not define its future.