Denmark expresses willingness to enhance the United States military presence in Greenland, according to Axios

Denmark has privately engaged with President-elect Donald Trump’s team, indicating a willingness to discuss enhancing the US military presence in Greenland, according to a report by Axios on Saturday, citing sources familiar with the situation.

Trump recently caused a stir in Copenhagen by proposing the idea of the US purchasing the self-governing Arctic island from Denmark. He did not dismiss the possibility of using force but provided few details on how his administration would persuade Denmark to give up control of Greenland.

Copenhagen aims to prevent a public confrontation with Trump and has reached out to his team for clarification on his remarks, as reported by the outlet.

The Danish government has firmly stated that Greenland is not for sale, yet it has expressed openness to discuss any other US requests concerning the island, according to Axios.

American military personnel have been present on the island since World War II. The US operates a military base in Greenland and has a defense agreement with Denmark that allows for the establishment of additional military facilities.

During the Cold War, Greenland was strategically significant, hosting US early-warning systems for ballistic missiles.

Trump, who will assume office on January 20, has described ownership of the island as an “absolute necessity” for the national security of the United States.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Mute Egede, the leader advocating for Greenland’s independence, have both dismissed the idea of selling the territory to Trump. Earlier this week, Frederiksen mentioned that she had initiated discussions with Trump’s team, emphasizing that both Copenhagen and Washington aim to enhance the security of the Western alliance.

Egede expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the US president-elect, reiterating his dedication to Greenland’s independence during a joint press conference with Frederiksen on Friday.

“Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people. We do not wish to be Danish, nor do we want to be American,” he stated, while also noting that Greenland will maintain its collaboration with the United States.