Nuuk (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) 23 January 2026 – Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen arrived in Greenland on 22 January 2026 for a multi-day visit described as a "show of support" following US President Donald Trump's renewed threats to purchase the territory. The trip includes meetings with Greenlandic leaders and infrastructure announcements. Frederiksen emphasised Denmark's commitment to Greenland's autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen landed at Nuuk Airport aboard a Danish Air Force C-130, greeted by Premier Múte B. Egede and Inuit Ataqatigiit party officials. The visit follows Trump's 17 January statement threatening 10% tariffs on Danish exports escalating to 25% by June unless Greenland sales negotiations commence. Frederiksen's office framed the four-day itinerary as routine annual engagement reinforcing bilateral ties.
Frederiksen met Egede at the Greenland government building, discussing education funding and climate adaptation projects valued at 1.2 billion Danish kroner. Public speeches reaffirmed Greenland's self-determination rights enshrined in the 1953 Danish constitution. No direct Trump references appeared in official programming released pre-arrival.
Greenlandic media reported 200 demonstrators welcoming Frederiksen with Danish flags, though pro-independence groups planned protests against perceived Copenhagen overreach. The prime minister's schedule includes visits to Ilulissat Icefjord and Sisimiut fishing harbour.
Details of Prime Minister Frederiksen's Greenland Itinerary
Credit: Antti Aimo-Koivisto / Associated Press
Frederiksen opened the trip with a press conference alongside Premier Egede, announcing 500 million kroner for Nuuk harbour expansion accommodating larger research vessels. Day two features roundtable with Naleraq and Siumut party leaders addressing fishing quota allocations. Scheduled stops include Qaqortoq school upgrades and Maniitsoq renewable energy feasibility studies.
Day three visits Thule Air Base, hosting US Space Force operations under 1951 defence agreement. Frederiksen planned private briefings with Danish Realm defence officials stationed there. Final day in Nuuk features cultural reception at the National Museum showcasing Thule Culture artefacts. Departure set for 25 January via Kangerlussuaq.
Delegation comprises 25 officials including Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen. Accompanying journalists number 15 from DR, TV2, and Berlingske. Travel logistics utilised royal yacht Dannebrog stationed in Godthåb Harbour.
Context of Trump's Renewed Greenland Purchase Demands
Credit: Allison Robbert-Pool/Getty Images
President Trump posted on Truth Social 17 January threatening escalating tariffs on Denmark unless "complete and total purchase" negotiations begin. The proposal targeted Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Dutch, and French exports initially at 10% rising to 25% by 1 June. Trump referenced prior US subsidies to NATO allies as rationale for territorial claims.
White House clarified military exemptions under existing defence pacts preserving F-35 programme continuity for Denmark. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick outlined 60-day WTO notification period before implementation. European Commission prepared countermeasures targeting US whiskey and motorcycles valued at €4.5 billion.
Trump's comments echoed 2019 overtures rejected by Frederiksen as "absurd," prompting Pentagon feasibility studies on Greenland strategic basing. Current rhetoric ties acquisition to Arctic mineral access and missile defence architecture.