COPENHAGEN — Former Danish Prime Minister and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has expressed concern over Donald Trump’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric regarding Greenland, a territory within the Danish kingdom. Speaking from the Danish capital, Rasmussen described Trump’s threats to seize Greenland as “shameless,” emphasizing Denmark’s status as one of the United States’ most reliable allies.
Rasmussen’s comments come in the wake of Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland during his second term. Recently, the President indicated a willingness to consider forceful measures for this purpose, stating, “I don’t rule it out. I don’t say I’m going to do it, but I don’t rule out anything. No, not there. We need Greenland very badly. Greenland is a very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them, and all of that. But we need that for international security,” in an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press on May 4.
Concerns over U.S. intentions in the Arctic
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has directed U.S. intelligence agencies to enhance their surveillance and data collection efforts concerning the Arctic region, particularly Greenland. In response to these developments, the Danish government summoned the U.S. ambassador to formally protest the perceived threats.
Moreover, it has been reported that White House officials are considering a Compact of Free Association with Greenland, similar to arrangements with Pacific island nations like Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. Such an agreement would involve the U.S. providing essential services and military protection to Greenland, while the island would retain its independence and enjoy largely duty-free trade.
Greenland’s status and defense cooperation
Rasmussen, who served as Danish PM from 2001 to 2009, reiterated that Greenland is inherently a part of Denmark and that the Greenlandic people do not express a desire to become Americans. He noted that, while a 1951 treaty permits the U.S. to establish military bases on the island, recent trends have seen a decrease in U.S. military presence there.
“The fact is that Greenland is part of NATO. If the United States is dissatisfied with the defense of Greenland … we would appreciate a strengthened defense cooperation with the United States,” Rasmussen stated.