Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen addressed concerns on Friday about reports of U.S. intelligence operations in Greenland, responding firmly, “You can’t spy on your allies.” This statement came amidst ongoing discussions regarding President Trump’s interest in purchasing the Arctic territory, which Frederiksen asserted is not for sale.
“Cooperation on defense, deterrence, and security in northern Europe is becoming increasingly important,” she highlighted in her comments to The Associated Press, emphasizing the importance of trusting relationships among allies.
Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland has sparked controversy, with Frederiksen openly rejecting the notion of selling the territory. Despite being a NATO ally, Trump has hinted that military force could still be an option for acquisition, which raises eyebrows.
In an NBC News interview earlier this week, Trump stated he wouldn’t entirely dismiss the idea, saying, “I’m not going to rule it out. I’m not going to do it, but I’m not going to rule out anything.” He also noted Greenland’s significance for international security, declaring it “very badly necessary” for the U.S. interests.
Frederiksen’s remarks followed Denmark’s decision to summon senior U.S. diplomats to explain reports about intelligence officials under U.S. National Intelligence Director Tarshi Gabbard gathering information on Greenland’s independence movement and potential U.S. resource extraction interests.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens Frederick Nielsen, condemned the alleged spying as both “unacceptable and rude.” He stated firmly that Greenland “will never become an asset that anyone can buy” and that the dialogue with the U.S. lacks the respect it deserves.
In a related note, Gabbard’s office stated there had been three “crime” referrals made to the U.S. Department of Justice concerning leaks from the intelligence community, indicating concerns about sensitive information slipping into public view. Gabbard criticized the media for allegedly amplifying narratives that undermine national security, claiming accountability for those responsible for leaks.
