Trump’s Greenland Threats: World Leaders’ Reactions

As President Donald Trump has renewed his push to annex Greenland in recent weeks, many world leaders have raised vocal objections.

Greenland is an autonomous ⁣territory within the kingdom of Denmark. But Trump has claimed that the U.S. needs to take⁣ control‍ of the island for “national security” reasons and that the European Union also “needs” the⁣ U.S. to annex the territory. The Trump Administration has suggested the possibility of using military ‍force to acquire Greenland; White House⁣ Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said earlier this month that⁣ “utilizing the U.S. military is always ⁢an option at the Commander-in-Chief’s⁣ disposal.” and on Friday, Trump indicated that he may impose tariffs on nations that ⁣”don’t go along with” his plans for the territory.

Many European leaders,as well as other political figures around the world,have pushed back on Trump’s plans to take over Greenland,however-and warned that an attack⁤ on‍ the territory could have major consequences for the international world order.

Here’s ‍what⁤ world leaders have said on the issue.

Greenland

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik nielsen voiced his strong opposition to the possibility of the U.S. taking control of the territory in a⁤ social media⁤ post earlier this month.

posted on X that he ⁢”reaffirmed France’s‍ unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark ⁣and Greenland,” adding ‍that “Greenland belongs to its people. Denmark ⁤stands as its guarantor.”

Earlier this month, Macron joined six other European leaders, including Frederiksen, in signing a joint statement that said, “Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide ⁣on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.”

france was also among several European⁢ allies that dispatched military personnel to Greenland; Macron said on Wednesday that French military troops were “already on thier⁤ way” there,⁢ and that more would arrive in the⁢ coming days.

Italy

Italian Prime minister Giorgia Meloni was among the seven European leaders who signed onto the joint statement earlier this month ⁤that defended Greenland’s sovereignty. Last week, she said that she didn’t believe the Trump Administration would take military action to annex the territory, adding that Italy wouldn’t back an operation like that.

meloni, one of Trump’s closest allies on the continent, emphasized that ‍”international ⁣law must be fully ⁣defended,” though when a reporter asked her about⁢ Trump’s policies, she replied, “I ‍don’t understand what you’re asking when you say Italy must‍ distance itself from the Unite

Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich⁢ Merz joined other European leaders in signing a⁢ joint statement affirming⁢ support for Greenland‍ this month, and Germany committed to sending military ⁣personnel to the territory as part of a multinational allied effort.

the joint statement, signed on January 8, 2026, by leaders from Germany, ⁤the United Kingdom, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and ⁣Finland, explicitly recognizes Greenland’s sovereignty and pledges continued security cooperation. Germany’s commitment includes ‍deploying an unspecified number of personnel to assist with enhanced surveillance and security‍ measures, according to a ⁢statement released by the German Ministry of Defence on⁤ January 12, 2026.

This commitment‍ follows increased Russian naval activity in the Arctic region, prompting⁢ heightened concern among North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members. The German deployment is intended to bolster Greenland’s defence ⁤capabilities and demonstrate a unified⁣ front against potential threats.

The United Kingdom

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also signed the joint statement and has publicly reiterated the United Kingdom’s ⁣support for greenland’s sovereignty.

Starmer emphasized the UK’s long-standing relationship with Greenland and its commitment to⁤ regional⁢ stability during a speech to Parliament on January ⁤15, ⁢2026. He stated, “The United Kingdom stands firm in its recognition ⁢of Greenland’s sovereign rights and will continue to work closely with our allies to ensure the security and prosperity of the North Atlantic region.”