Danish Prime Minister Responds to U.S. Intelligence Reports on Greenland
In a recent conversation with the press, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that spying on an ally is unacceptable. This statement comes amid rising tensions regarding U.S. intelligence efforts in Greenland, a territory that the U.S. President, Donald Trump, has shown interest in acquiring.
The situation has escalated as Greenland’s status, rich in minerals and strategically located, has sparked discussions between Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. Both Denmark and Greenland have firmly stated that the island is not for sale. Trump has even suggested military action, despite Denmark being a NATO ally.
Following a report from the Wall Street Journal revealing that U.S. intelligence officials were directed to investigate Greenland’s independence movement and sentiment regarding American resource extraction, Denmark summoned the top U.S. diplomat in the country. Jennifer Hall Godfrey met with Danish diplomat Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen to discuss the matter, but details of the conversation have not been disclosed.
Frederiksen labeled the report as “rumors,” indicating that the situation should not be taken lightly. She highlighted the growing importance of defense cooperation in Northern Europe and reiterated the principle of not engaging in espionage against allies.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Greenland’s Prime Minister, voiced his discontent regarding reports of espionage, calling them disrespectful. In a response to the Wall Street Journal’s article, Tulsi Gabbard’s office stressed that the leaks from the intelligence community undermine the President and threaten national security.
Gabbard pointed out the necessity of accountability for those leaking classified information, asserting that such actions compromise both safety and democracy.
Furthermore, Greenland’s Prime Minister reiterated last month that the island would "never be a property that can be bought." Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also weighed in, stressing that any notion of different legal rules applying in the Arctic is misguided. He affirmed that Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that sovereignty must be respected.
As discussions continue among leaders from the Joint Expeditionary Force, the commitment to safeguarding both national security and international partnerships remains a key focus.
