Copenhagen, March 30 — Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen criticized the Trump administration for its “tone” in pressuring Denmark over Greenland, insisting that his country is already strengthening Arctic security and remains open to further cooperation with the US.
“We are open to criticism,” Rasmussen said in English during a video statement posted on social media. “But let me be completely honest: we do not appreciate the tone in which it is being delivered. This is not how you speak to your close allies. And I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies.”
His remarks came after US Vice President JD Vance visited Greenland, where he accused Denmark of neglecting the island’s security. During the trip, Vance met with US troops at Pituffik Space Base and claimed Denmark had “underinvested” in Greenland’s defense.
“You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” Vance said on Friday. “You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump maintained a hardline stance. In an interview with NBC, he said he wouldn’t rule out the use of force to acquire Greenland, calling it a matter of “world peace” and “international security.”
“I think there’s a good possibility that we could do it without military force,” Trump said. “But I don’t take anything off the table.”
When asked how such actions would be perceived by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump was dismissive. “I don’t care,” he said.
The push for Greenland’s annexation has sparked backlash in Denmark and on the island itself. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected Vance’s claim that Denmark was failing to defend the Arctic, calling her country “a good and strong ally.”
Greenlandic lawmakers also moved to resist US overtures. On Thursday, four of the five parties in Greenland’s parliament announced plans to form a coalition, giving them control of 23 out of 31 seats. The alliance aims to counter the Trump administration’s annexation efforts and assert Greenland’s political autonomy.
During his visit, Vance encouraged Greenlanders to consider independence from Denmark, claiming they would be “much more secure” and economically better off by partnering with the US.
“I think that they ultimately will partner with the United States,” Vance said. “We could do a lot more protection.”
Trump later released a video titled “America Stands With Greenland” on his Truth Social platform, showing footage of US troops stationed there during World War II.
