Trump Renews Push for Greenland, Europe Warns of Power Struggle

European leaders are being urged to respond more firmly to renewed pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland, as tensions rise across the Atlantic over the future of the Arctic island.

Former Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod told ABC News that Europe must be prepared to “play the power game” when dealing with Trump’s aggressive stance, warning that soft responses could encourage further pressure on European sovereignty.

The comments come as Trump has once again publicly pushed for U.S. control of Greenland, a self-governing territory that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump has said the island is critical for American national security and Arctic strategy, despite repeated rejections from Danish and Greenlandic leaders.

A Dispute That Refuses to Fade

Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland in 2019, calling it a major real estate opportunity. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the time called the idea “absurd,” and the proposal damaged relations between Washington and Copenhagen.

Now, nearly seven years later, the issue has returned with greater intensity.

During recent appearances, Trump has said the United States will acquire Greenland “one way or another,” though he has also claimed he does not plan to use military force. Still, his remarks have alarmed European allies, who see the statements as a challenge to long-standing international norms and territorial sovereignty.

Kofod said that while Denmark and Europe handled the situation carefully in 2019, today’s environment requires a firmer stance.

“This is not just about Greenland,” Kofod said in the interview. “It is about how Europe responds when pressure is applied by a powerful ally.”

Strategic and Economic Stakes

Greenland has become increasingly important in global politics due to its location and resources. The island sits in a key position in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes between North America, Europe, and Asia.

Greenland is also rich in rare earth minerals and other natural resources that are critical for modern technology, clean energy, and defense systems. These factors have made the island a focus of competition between major powers, including the United States, China, and Russia.

Trump has argued that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary to counter Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic. He has said existing defense agreements with Denmark are not enough and has pushed for what he describes as stronger American authority over the territory.

Denmark and Greenland strongly disagree.

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has said the island is open to deeper cooperation within NATO but has made clear that territorial integrity and sovereignty are “red lines” that cannot be crossed.

Tensions at Davos and Beyond

The dispute has been a major topic at recent international meetings, including the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. There, Trump claimed that a “framework” deal had been discussed with NATO leaders related to Greenland.

However, Danish officials said no agreement allows negotiations over sovereignty.

Prime Minister Frederiksen said Denmark “cannot negotiate on our sovereignty,” and emphasized that Greenland’s future must be decided by its people.

European officials worry that even talk of U.S. ownership undermines trust between allies and weakens NATO unity at a time when cooperation is needed to address global security threats.

Tariff Threats and Trade Risks

The situation escalated further when Trump threatened tariffs on several European countries that participated in Arctic military exercises in Greenland. Those exercises were meant to strengthen regional defense and demonstrate NATO unity.

Trump suggested that unless a deal on Greenland was reached, European countries could face new trade penalties. European leaders warned that such moves could trigger a damaging trade conflict and hurt both sides economically.

Some European officials described the approach as economic pressure designed to force political concessions.

Europe Debates How to Respond

Kofod and other European figures argue that Europe must respond with unity and strength rather than hoping the issue will fade.

They say Europe should clearly communicate that Greenland is not for sale and that pressure tactics will not work. At the same time, they support continued cooperation with the U.S. on Arctic security, climate research, and responsible development of resources.

Several European countries have increased their military presence and investment in Arctic defense, signaling that they take the region’s security seriously.

Analysts say Europe faces a difficult balance: standing firm on sovereignty while maintaining strong ties with Washington.

A Test for Transatlantic Relations

The Greenland dispute has become a symbol of broader challenges in transatlantic relations. It raises questions about how allies handle disagreements, respect borders, and manage competition in strategically important regions.

For Greenlanders, the debate has also sparked strong emotions. Many residents and local leaders have publicly opposed any idea of U.S. control, emphasizing their right to self-determination and their cultural and political ties to Denmark.

Large protests have taken place in Greenland and Denmark, with demonstrators chanting that Greenland is “not for sale.”

What Comes Next

While Trump has recently said he will not use force, European leaders remain cautious. They are waiting for clearer details about any so-called framework discussions and preparing for the possibility of renewed pressure.

For now, Denmark and its allies are signaling that cooperation is welcome — but ownership and sovereignty are not negotiable.

As Kofod put it, Europe may need to show that it is willing to match political pressure with political strength.

“This is about more than one island,” he said. “It is about how Europe protects its interests in a changing world.”