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Trump’s fixation with Greenland has ended Denmark’s love affair with the U.S.

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By illuminem briefings

· 3 min read


illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Denmark’s long-standing pro-American stance has shifted as relations with Washington sour over President Trump’s continued pressure on Greenland
Trump’s renewed territorial claims on the Arctic island, which comprises 98% of the Danish kingdom’s landmass, have strained the transatlantic bond and prompted Copenhagen to turn to European allies for support in defending its sovereignty
Senior Danish officials now describe the U.S. as an increasingly “rapacious” actor rather than a trusted partner

🔭 The context: Greenland has gained strategic importance as Arctic shipping lanes open and resource competition intensifies
Trump’s earlier bid to “buy” Greenland in 2019 was rejected and ridiculed, but his administration has since escalated demands and stepped up military interest in the territory
Denmark has struggled to balance its security reliance on NATO with growing disillusionment over what it perceives as Washington’s disregard for its sovereignty
There are plans to invest over $1.5 billion in Greenland’s defense infrastructure, deploying drones and modern patrols as U.S. forces withdraw from ageing bases

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The dispute underscores the geopolitical risks of Arctic warming, which is unlocking new sea routes and mineral resources while threatening fragile ecosystems
As countries race to secure economic and strategic interests in the region, tensions risk undermining international cooperation and stability — with implications for both indigenous communities and environmental stewardship in one of the world’s most sensitive regions

⏭️ What's next: Denmark is expected to deepen defense and diplomatic ties with EU partners and possibly Canada, while continuing to modernise Greenland’s infrastructure to assert sovereignty
Washington’s stance may depend on broader U.S.–EU relations and Arctic policy deliberations in NATO
Analysts warn the standoff could embolden other actors, including China and Russia, to press their own Arctic ambitions, further complicating governance in the region

💬 One quote: “The U.S. was our best friend — now it acts like a foe over Greenland,” — Claus Hjort Frederiksen, former Danish defense minister

📈 One stat: Greenland represents 98% of the Danish kingdom’s landmass, yet is home to fewer than 60,000 people

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