Greenlandic PM says US remarks on Greenland 'completely and utterly unacceptable'

OSLO -- Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Sunday night that the "immediate and repeated rhetoric" from the United States concerning Greenland is "completely and utterly unacceptable."

"Now it's enough," Nielsen said in a statement posted on Facebook, adding, "No more pressure. No more hints. No more fantasies about annexation."

He said that when the president of the United States talks about "we need Greenland" and connects Greenland with Venezuela and military intervention, it's wrong.

"Threats, pressure and talk of annexation do not belong anywhere between friends," Nielsen said.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in a telephone interview on Sunday with The Atlantic that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland. He also discussed the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.

In response, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement that the United States has no right to annex Greenland, urging Washington to stop making threats against a close ally and the Greenlandic people.

Last month, Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, renewing diplomatic tensions.

Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out the use of "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.

Greenland, a former Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, though Denmark retains authority over foreign affairs and defense.