The president has emphasized Greenland’s importance to US national security, citing its abundant mineral resources and strategic position. He has also indicated that the use of force to acquire Greenland remains a possibility.

“The United States is open to negotiations with Denmark and any of the countries that have risked much, despite the extensive protection we have provided over the years,” he stated.

On Saturday, protesters in Denmark and Greenland rallied against the president’s demands, advocating for Greenland’s right to self-determination.

Countries mentioned by the president have expressed support for Denmark, cautioning that a US military takeover of a NATO member’s territory could severely undermine the alliance.

The president reiterated that the decision regarding Greenland’s future should be made by Denmark and Greenland themselves.

He said that the future of Greenland was for Denmark and Greenland to decide.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said applying tariffs on countries “for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies” was “completely wrong”. Source: Getty / WPA Pool

“The president’s announcement comes as a surprise,” Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said in a statement.

The encroaching presence of China and Russia makes Greenland vital to US security interests, Trump has said. Danish and other European officials have pointed out that Greenland is already covered by NATO’s collective security pact.