Denmark deploys troops to Greenland as Trump threatens annexation

Denmark significantly expanded its military presence in Greenland beginning in summer 2025 in response to Arctic security tensions, particularly following Trump administration rhetoric about acquiring the territory. The Danish Armed Forces strengthened their presence and exercise activity in Greenland, bringing in contributions from NATO allies including Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway. These allies deployed capabilities across sea, land, and air domains. This expansion has continued into 2026, with Denmark announcing an increased permanent military footprint featuring aircraft, vessels, and soldiers alongside troops from allied nations.

Greenland's foreign minister firmly rejected Trump's proposals, stating Greenland doesn't want to be owned by, governed by or part of the United States. We choose the Greenland we know today—as part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Danish Foreign Minister LLLars Løkke Rasmussen emphasized that ideas that would not respect territorial integrity are completely unacceptable. The consistent rejection from both Greenland and Denmark shows united opposition to any U.S. acquisition attempts.

Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, calling it a strategic necessity for the United States. He's suggested various approaches including purchase, lease arrangements, or outright territorial acquisition. Trump's rhetoric has escalated from his first term, when he floated buying Greenland in 2019, to more aggressive language in his second term about America's need for control. His administration has framed Greenland as essential for Arctic military positioning and natural resource access.

Denmark and Greenland's military buildup represents a direct response to perceived U.S. threat. The timing of Denmark's Jun. 2025 expansion immediately followed Trump's renewed acquisition talk. Denmark's decision to invite NATO allies Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway to deploy troops creates a multinational force that complicates any U.S. unilateral action. The message is clear: Denmark isn't facing this alone and has European allies committed to defending Danish territory.

Greenland holds immense strategic value due to its Arctic location, natural resources, and military positioning. The island sits astride key shipping routes that may open as Arctic ice melts. It hosts Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), a crucial U.S. early warning radar installation for detecting ballistic missile launches. Greenland also holds vast mineral deposits including rare earth elements critical for technology manufacturing. China has invested heavily in Greenland mining projects, adding to U.S. strategic concerns.

The military expansion occurs against backdrop of climate change opening new Arctic competition. As ice melts, previously inaccessible resources become exploitable and new shipping routes emerge. Russia has built up Arctic military capabilities substantially. China declared itself a near-Arctic state and invested in Arctic research and infrastructure. The U.S. sees Greenland as vital to maintaining influence in an increasingly contested Arctic region. Trump's acquisition talk reflects broader great power competition.

Denmark's relationship with Greenland is complex. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark with its own government handling most domestic affairs while Denmark controls defense and foreign policy. Greenlanders have debated full independence for decades. Some Greenland politicians have explored greater autonomy or even independence, but remain wary of U.S. intentions. Trump's aggressive approach has actually strengthened Greenland-Denmark ties as both unite against external pressure.

International law experts say any U.S. acquisition would require Greenland's consent under principles of self-determination. Denmark can't simply sell Greenland without Greenlanders' approval. The purchase idea itself is anachronistic—modern international law doesn't permit territorial transfers without inhabitants' consent. Any U.S. attempt to take Greenland by force would violate fundamental international law principles, trigger NATO Article 5 mutual defense obligations, and isolate America internationally. Trump's rhetoric ignores these legal realities.