Greenland Rejects US Acquisition Bid, Reaffirming Ties with Denmark Amid Rising Arctic Tensions

On January 13, 2026, Greenland formally dismissed the prospect of being absorbed by the United States, reasserting its commitment to remain an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a unified declaration in Copenhagen, emphasizing the island's sovereignty. This high-level response was prompted by renewed rhetoric from US President Donald Trump regarding American control over the territory.

This diplomatic stance comes at a time of intensifying geopolitical friction in the Arctic region. Greenland is increasingly viewed as a vital strategic asset due to its massive reserves of critical minerals and rare earth elements, which are essential in the global competition with Russia and China. During a press conference, Prime Minister Nielsen stated unequivocally that if forced to choose, Greenland would favor Denmark over the United States. He clarified that the island is "not for sale" and that its destiny is determined solely by its people under the Act on Greenland Self-Government.

Prime Minister Frederiksen echoed these sentiments, describing the pressure from Washington as "completely unacceptable." She issued a stern warning that any perceived attack on Greenland's status would effectively signal the collapse of NATO and the established post-war security architecture. The Greenlandic coalition government has further solidified its position, stating they will not be absorbed under any circumstances, prioritizing the preservation of their unique Greenlandic identity and cultural heritage.

Public sentiment on the island remains overwhelmingly aligned with the government's position, with recent polls indicating that 85% of Greenlanders are opposed to an American takeover. Aaja Chemnitz, a prominent politician from the Inuit Ataqatigiit party, summarized the national mood by stating, "Greenland is not for sale, and Greenland will never be sold." This internal unity presents a significant hurdle for any external attempts to alter the island's political status.

Simultaneously, on January 13, 2026, Danish authorities confirmed their support for a recent US naval operation in the Eastern Atlantic. This operation, which took place a week prior, involved the interception of the "Marinera," a Russian-flagged tanker accused of violating American sanctions. This maritime action followed "Operation Absolute Resolve" on January 3, 2026, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristy Noem justified these interceptions as necessary measures to dismantle the financing of "narco-state terrorism."

From the American perspective, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance continue to advocate for US control over Greenland, citing the necessity of securing the Arctic and deterring Russian and Chinese influence. To address these escalating tensions, a diplomatic summit is scheduled for January 14, 2026, in Washington. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt are set to meet with Secretary Rubio in a session chaired by Vice President Vance.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has also weighed in, stating that the alliance is working on "next steps" to bolster security in the Arctic, reflecting broader concerns within the bloc. Historically, Greenland's defense has been guaranteed by NATO through the Danish Commonwealth. The long-standing 1951 agreement continues to allow the United States to maintain military installations on the island, most notably the Pituffik Space Base, highlighting the complex balance between sovereignty and strategic military cooperation.