Trump walked back threats to place tariffs on European countries opposing his desire to seize Greenland and ruled out the use of force.
COPENHAGEN, Jan 22 (Reuters) – Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Thursday that Denmark and Greenland remain open to constructive dialogue on Arctic security provided discussions respect her country’s territorial integrity.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday walked back threats to impose tariffs on European countries opposing his desire to seize Greenland in remarks at Davos, and ruled out the use of force. He suggested progress had been made on a deal to end the dispute over the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
After meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said Western Arctic allies could forge an agreement that satisfies his desire for a “Golden Dome” missile-defense system to protect the U.S. and access to minerals, while blocking what Trump says are Russia and China’s ambitions.
Arctic Security A Matter For All Of NATO
Frederiksen said NATO was fully aware of Denmark’s position, and that she had been informed that Rutte’s talks did not involve her country’s sovereignty.
“Security in the Arctic is a matter for the entire NATO alliance. Therefore, it is good and natural that it is also discussed between NATO’s secretary general and the president of the United States,” Frederiksen said in a statement.
“The Kingdom of Denmark wishes to continue to engage in a constructive dialogue with allies on how we can strengthen security in the Arctic, including the United States’ Golden Dome, provided that this is done with respect for our territorial integrity,” she said.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is pictured after a meeting in the Foreign Policy Committee at Christiansborg in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Jan. 20, 2026.
