In recent days, Denmark has sent private messages to the team of newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing its readiness to discuss issues related to enhancing security in Greenland or increasing American military presence on the island.
This was reported by Axios, citing sources.
According to a spokesperson for the publication, the Danish government aims to avoid public conflict with the new U.S. administration. In its communications with Trump's team, Copenhagen requested clarification on what exactly the newly elected president meant when he spoke about Greenland. At the same time, Denmark emphasized that the island is not for sale but is open to considering other U.S. requests related to Greenland.
The Danish government is trying to convince Trump that security issues can be addressed without transferring control of the island to the U.S.
One European diplomat noted to Axios that Denmark is regarded as one of the closest allies of the U.S. in the EU, and no one expected it to be the first country with which Trump might enter into conflict.
The U.S. already has a military base in Greenland, along with an agreement with Denmark from 1951 that outlines cooperation in the area of island security and the possibility of discussing an increase in American military presence.
Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, which is part of Denmark. During his first term in 2019, Trump proposed buying the island. Additionally, he did not rule out the possibility of using economic or military leverage to resolve this issue, calling Greenland crucial for U.S. economic security.