Denmark sent Trump team private messages on Greenland, Axios reports

Denmark has privately reached out to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s team, offering to discuss security arrangements in Greenland, including the possibility of boosting U.S. military presence there, Axios reported Saturday.

The proposal aims to address Trump’s security concerns without conceding U.S. control over the semi-autonomous Danish territory, according to sources cited by Axios.

Trump, who assumes office on Jan. 20, has called U.S. control of Greenland an “absolute necessity” and has not ruled out using military or economic measures, including tariffs, against Denmark to pursue the issue.

The Danish government reportedly hopes to convince Trump that his concerns can be resolved without claiming Greenland, Axios said.

A Trump transition team spokesperson did not respond to Axios’ request for comment.

Earlier this week, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she had requested a meeting with Trump, though she did not expect it to occur before his inauguration.

Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede also expressed willingness to engage with Trump but emphasized the need to respect the island's independence aspirations.

'Greenland not for sale'

Denmark has previously stated that Greenland is not for sale, reiterating the island’s autonomy within the Danish Kingdom.

While Trump’s push for U.S. control has drawn criticism, the Danish outreach suggests an effort to find common ground on security concerns while upholding Greenland’s sovereignty.