Denmark has said it is willing to hold talks with the United States on Arctic security and President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile-defense system, but firmly rejected any negotiations involving its sovereignty over Greenland.
The comments came after Trump announced that he had agreed to a “framework of a future deal” with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte during the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump said the outline would cover Greenland and broader Arctic security and claimed it could benefit both the United States and its NATO allies.
However, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made it clear that while Denmark welcomes dialogue on security, investment, and economic cooperation, Greenland’s status is not up for negotiation.
“We can negotiate about everything political — security, investments, the economy. But we cannot negotiate about our sovereignty,” Frederiksen said.
What Is the ‘Golden Dome’?
Trump has promoted the “Golden Dome” as a major new U.S. missile-defense initiative, potentially involving space-based and Arctic-focused systems. He has argued that Greenland’s strategic location makes it critical to U.S. national security and to countering Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic.
Danish officials confirmed they are open to discussions related to Arctic defense cooperation, including Golden Dome-related security planning, as long as Denmark’s territorial integrity is respected.
Greenland Not for Sale
Both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly rejected Trump’s long-running interest in acquiring the island. Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and leaders in Nuuk have said decisions about the island’s future can only be made by Greenlanders themselves.
NATO chief Mark Rutte also said that Greenland’s political status was not discussed in his talks with Trump and stressed that the focus was on collective Arctic security.
Tariff Threats Dropped
Trump also reversed earlier threats to impose tariffs on several European countries, including Denmark, which he had floated as leverage in Greenland-related negotiations. The move was welcomed in Copenhagen and across Europe as a step toward easing tensions.
Bigger Arctic Power Struggle
The renewed focus on Greenland highlights growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to critical minerals. Both Russia and China have increased their activity in the region, raising concerns among NATO countries.
Denmark has recently stepped up military exercises and deployments in Greenland, calling it a defensive move aimed at strengthening NATO’s presence and deterring outside threats.
Bottom Line
Denmark is signaling cooperation on Arctic security and Trump’s Golden Dome concept — but drawing a hard red line on sovereignty.
Greenland is not for sale, and its future will not be negotiated away.