Trump has repeatedly described Greenland as strategically vital and resource-rich, insisting it is essential for US security….reports Asian Lite News
Denmark has summoned the US charge d’affaires after reports surfaced of attempted American interference in Greenland, the vast Arctic island that President Donald Trump has openly coveted since returning to the White House in January.
Trump has repeatedly described Greenland as strategically vital and resource-rich, insisting it is essential for US security. He has even refused to rule out the use of force to secure the territory. Reports aired by Danish public broadcaster DR alleged that at least three US officials close to Trump were seen in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, attempting to identify individuals who could be enlisted in anti-Denmark influence campaigns.
Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen confirmed he was aware of “foreign actors” taking an unusual interest in Greenland’s ties with Denmark. “Any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Kingdom will of course be unacceptable,” he said, adding that the US charge d’affaires had been summoned for talks.
Greenland, home to around 57,000 people, is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. A January poll suggested most Greenlanders favour independence from Copenhagen but do not want to join the United States. Both Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected US suggestions that the island could be purchased, insisting that its future will be decided by its people.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she was taking the matter seriously, noting that Washington had not clearly denied the allegations. Earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal reported that US intelligence agencies had been tasked with gathering information on Greenland’s independence movement and potential allies for American interests — prompting Frederiksen to warn: “You cannot spy against an ally.”
The DR investigation also claimed that US officials were seeking to exploit historic grievances between Greenland and Denmark, including the forced removal of Inuit children and the imposition of contraception on thousands of Inuit women between the 1960s and 1990s. On Wednesday, Frederiksen issued a formal apology to the 4,500 women subjected to compulsory intrauterine devices without consent.
Tensions have also flared over US military activity. In March, Vice President JD Vance made an unannounced visit to Greenland, drawing condemnation in Copenhagen. While touring the US Pituffik base — a key hub in Washington’s missile defence system — he accused Denmark of neglecting Greenland’s security.
The Arctic is fast emerging as a geopolitical flashpoint, with melting ice unlocking shipping lanes and rare earth reserves. In response, Denmark unveiled a $2-billion plan in January to strengthen its Arctic military presence.
