Prime Minister Nielsen called Greenland a proud country that strives to maintain world order, after the US president called it a “slice of ice.”
Published April 9, 2026
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen has called on NATO allies to unite in upholding international law, pushing back against US President Donald Trump’s recent comments about the Arctic island.
President Trump vented his frustration with NATO’s unwillingness to get involved in the war he started with Israel against Iran, saying in a social media post on Wednesday that the military alliance was not there when he needed it and “wouldn’t be there if we needed it again. Remember Greenland, that big, poorly run, piece of ice.”
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Nielsen rejected that characterization Thursday.
“We are not a piece of ice. We are 57,000 proud people who work every day as good global citizens with the utmost respect for all our allies,” he told Reuters.
Nielsen emphasized the importance of maintaining the postwar geopolitical order, including the NATO defense alliance and globally respected international law.
“These things are being challenged now and I think all allies should come together to preserve them. I hope that will be the case,” he said.
diplomatic negotiations
NATO allies were already scrambling to find ways to preserve the alliance earlier this year after President Trump revived his claims to seize Greenland from fellow NATO member Denmark.
The White House said in January that President Trump was considering using military force against Greenland, leading Germany, France and other European countries to send small troops to the island in a message of solidarity and deterrence.
President Trump later backed off after a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, saying a “framework for a future agreement” had been formed and putting the Greenland conflict on a diplomatic track.
His comments on the island came after a meeting with Rutte on Wednesday.
Greenland, Denmark and the United States began diplomatic talks in late January, but Nielsen said negotiations were still ongoing and further talks were planned.
Mr. Trump and his supporters have argued that the United States needs Greenland to fend off threats from Russia and China in the Arctic, and that Denmark cannot guarantee its security.
The United States already has a base on the island and has the ability to expand its presence there under a 1951 treaty.
“It’s strange that all parties want to talk about increasing defense cooperation and not take that (1951) agreement into account,” Nielsen said.
Despite the talks, Nielsen said he does not believe Trump has abandoned his ambitions regarding Greenland, saying, “I don’t believe his desire to take over or control Greenland is off the table.”
