GREENLAND has told its citizens to stockpile essential supplies as it prepares for the worst-case scenario of an American invasion.
Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said such an attack was “not likely” but could not be ruled out entirely.
Speaking at a press conference in the capital on Tuesday alongside former prime minister Mute B. Egede, Nielsen confirmed the government was reviewing its civil-defence and emergency preparedness plans.
Those measures could include advising households to keep at least five days’ worth of food supplies.
“We must be prepared for everything that may happen,” said Egede, now a member of Greenland’s parliament.
Both men stressed that Greenland is part of Nato and warned that any escalation would have consequences far beyond the island itself.
Read more about Greenland
They jointly condemned Donald Trump’s use of threats on social media, which Nielsen described as “disrespectful,” insisting Greenland would respond only through formal diplomatic channels.
Trump’s repeated claims that the United States would take action over Greenland “whether they like it or not” have put European capitals on alert.
Emboldened by earlier actions in Venezuela, the US president has threatened to impose tariffs on long-standing European allies in an effort to force negotiations over control of the island.
A 10 per cent import tax is set to be levied on goods from eight European countries that have rallied behind Denmark.
Many analysts believe that if Trump were to follow through, it could fracture the Nato alliance beyond repair.
Denmark has reacted with particular anger to these threats.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen remained in Copenhagen on Tuesday to address parliament, cancelling plans to attend the opening of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The meeting is expected to give both sides an opportunity to set out their positions, though European officials insist there is no willingness to cede the territory.
Frederiksen said neither Danes nor Greenlanders wished to become “the centre of a conflict between the United States and Europe.”
She described Trump’s rhetoric as a direct threat to Danish territory and Greenland’s right to self-determination, warning that a trade war would benefit no one.
“On both sides, a trade war will cost jobs,” she said.
“On both sides, it will harm the economy.”
Trump has repeatedly argued that control of Greenland is a matter of US national security, claiming the territory is needed to counter potential threats from China and Russia.
On Monday, Denmark deployed around 100 soldiers to western Greenland, accompanied by the army chief, General Peter Boysen.
Analysts say the move was intended to demonstrate that Denmark takes US security concerns seriously.
Greenland’s leaders, however, have reiterated that the island is not for sale and has no desire to become part of the United States.
Nielsen said that, if put to a vote, Greenlanders would choose to remain within the Danish realm.
In support of this, thousands gathered in Greenland’s capital today, chanting “Greenland is not for sale”.
This protest is reportedly the biggest demonstration in the nation’s history.
European leaders have also rallied behind Denmark.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned the EU could deploy its powerful anti-coercion mechanism – often dubbed a trade “bazooka” – to sanction individuals or institutions exerting undue pressure on the bloc.
The EU could also respond with retaliatory tariffs or even suspend parts of US-EU trade.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the transatlantic relationship was built on trust.
“The European Union and the United States agreed a trade deal last July,” she said.
“In politics, as in business, a deal is a deal. When friends shake hands, it must mean something.”
She warned that escalating tensions would only benefit shared adversaries, adding that the EU’s response would be “unflinching, united and proportional.”
Trump, who is due to speak at the forum on Wednesday, said on social media he had agreed to “a meeting of the various parties” in Davos.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sought to downplay the crisis, saying relations with Europe “have never been closer” and urging allies to “take a deep breath.”
However, tempers have flared during the saga.
One Danish lawmaker was reprimanded after telling trump to “f**k off” during a recent meeting to discuss the US’ campaign to buy Greenland.
“Dear President Trump, listen very carefully. Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for 800 years. It is an integrated country. It is not for sale,” said European MEP Anders Vistisen.
“Let me put this in words you might understand: Mr. President, f**k off.”
Tensions have also spilled into the UK-US relationship.
The British government has been forced to defend its decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Trump attacked the move on Truth Social, despite having supported it last year.
He argued that relinquishing control of the Indian Ocean archipelago – home to a key US naval and bomber base – was an act of “stupidity,” reinforcing his claim that the US must assert control over Greenland.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson attempted to strike a conciliatory tone, saying he hoped to “calm the waters.”
Johnson said the US and the UK “have always been able to work through our differences calmly as friends. We will continue to do that.”
