Mette Frederiksen, Denmark’s Prime Minister, has condemned the Trump administration’s latest manoeuvres over Greenland, branding them “unacceptable pressure” amid growing concerns that Washington is attempting to annexe the Arctic territory. Ms Frederiksen hit out at the planned visit by US Second Lady Usha Vance, who is set to travel to Greenland alongside National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

The visit has drawn criticism from Danish and Greenlandic officials, who argue it is being imposed against the wishes of local authorities. Ms Frederiksen said: “This is clearly not a visit that is about what Greenland needs or wants. It is unacceptable pressure being put on Greenland and Denmark, and it’s a pressure we will stand against.” Her remarks mark some of the strongest criticism yet from Copenhagen, following M Trump’s renewed push to assert US influence over Greenland.

The island, a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has been at the centre of geopolitical tensions due to its vast mineral wealth and strategic Arctic location.

Mr Trump first floated the idea of purchasing Greenland during his first term, prompting international ridicule. However, he has since stepped up his rhetoric, refusing to rule out military action or economic coercion to secure US control over the resource-rich island.

Ms Frederiksen noted that Greenlandic leaders were “clear” in their opposition to the visit, particularly as the island is currently without a functioning government following recent elections. She stressed: “You cannot make a private visit with official representatives from another country.”

Tensions between Washington and Copenhagen have deepened over Mr Trump’s Arctic ambitions.

While Denmark and Greenland have longstanding defence agreements with the US, including hosting a major American airbase at Thule, officials fear the White House is now bypassing diplomatic norms to expand its influence.

Ms Fredeiksen said: “We are allies, we have a defence agreement on Greenland dating back to 1951.

“There is no indication in either Denmark or Greenland that we do not want to co-operate with the Americans.

“But when you make a visit like this and Greenlandic politicians say they don’t want it, you can’t interpret that as respectful.”

The controversy underscores Greenland’s growing strategic importance, with the US, China, and Russia all vying for influence in the Arctic as climate change opens up new trade routes and resource opportunities.

There are even concerns that Mr Trump is considering seizing the island.

In December 2024, President Donald Trump described US ownership of Greenland as “an absolute necessity” for national security.

In January 2025, he refused to rule out using military or economic force to take control of Greenland.

The billionaire said: “we need that for international security, not just national security.”