President Trump’s phone call with Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reportedly spiraled into a full-blown confrontation last week, as Trump doubled down on his demand for U.S. control over Greenland — a move he insists is crucial for American national security.
The 45-minute call, which took place on January 15, was described as “fiery” by senior European officials who spoke to Financial Times. Trump, who was president-elect at the time, didn’t hold back, reportedly getting aggressive and even threatening to impose tariffs on Denmark, a key NATO ally.
National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes didn’t comment on the tone of the conversation but made it clear that Trump’s focus on Greenland is part of his broader strategy to counter China and Russia in the Arctic.
“President Trump has been clear that the safety and security of Greenland is important to the United States as China and Russia make significant investments throughout the Arctic region,” Hughes said in a statement. “The President is committed to not only protecting U.S. interests in the Arctic but also working with Greenland to ensure mutual prosperity for both nations.”
Trump has long eyed Greenland, an autonomous island that’s part of Denmark, with increasing interest. During his inauguration speech, Trump hinted at the U.S. expanding its borders — and Greenland was at the top of his list. He’s even gone so far as to suggest the U.S. should “retake” the Panama Canal and toyed with the idea of annexing Canada.
When Trump and Frederiksen spoke, the Danish PM didn’t back down. She told Trump that Greenland wasn’t for sale, quoting the head of Greenland’s Parliament, and made it clear that any decisions about the island’s future were up to its people.
Frederiksen also pushed back hard, offering Denmark’s help in bolstering Arctic security, highlighting the economic contributions Danish companies make to the U.S., and stressing that both the EU and the U.S. have shared trade interests.
Although the Trump transition team didn’t release details, Trump had already made it clear a few days earlier, on January 7, that he wouldn’t rule out using economic or military pressure to take control of Greenland.
Shortly after taking office, Trump reaffirmed his stance on Greenland, saying, “I’m sure that Denmark will come along,” implying that Denmark would eventually cave to his demands.
Frederiksen is known for being a no-nonsense, security-first leader. She’s been outspoken, even critical, of the Biden administration’s cautious approach to sending weapons to Ukraine. One American foreign policy expert who has met her compared her to John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, saying she’s a “hard-charger” who doesn’t give an inch.
“She doesn’t seem like the type that would give any ground. Not that she’s unreasonable, but not the kind that would take any s‑‑‑.”
It’s easy to see how Frederiksen’s refusal to back down would have only escalated the tension in the call, turning what was supposed to be a diplomatic conversation into a heated clash.