A senior Danish lawmaker has warned that the United States’ renewed focus on Greenland risks creating serious tensions with a close ally, cautioning that aggressive rhetoric over the Arctic territory could undermine long-standing diplomatic and security relationships within NATO.

Rasmus Jarlov, a member of Denmark’s parliament, criticised claims from Washington that the United States needs Greenland for its national defence. He argued that such assertions misrepresent the existing security framework and could destabilise relations with Denmark and Greenland, both of which are NATO partners.

According to Jarlov, Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland is well established and internationally recognised. He stressed that the United States has never previously disputed Denmark’s authority over the territory and already enjoys extensive military access under existing defence arrangements. As a result, he described suggestions that Greenland is inadequately protected as misleading and unnecessary.

The remarks come after repeated statements from US President Donald Trump emphasising Greenland’s strategic importance, particularly in the context of Arctic security and global power competition. Trump has insisted that the United States “absolutely” needs Greenland for defence purposes, fuelling concerns among European leaders about respect for territorial sovereignty.

Denmark and Greenland have strongly rejected any suggestion that the island’s status is open to external negotiation. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has said the territory is not something that can be claimed or taken over at will, reaffirming Greenland’s right to determine its own future.

Several European governments have also voiced support for Denmark’s position. Leaders from major European Union states, along with the United Kingdom, have jointly stated that matters concerning Greenland must be decided solely by Denmark and Greenland, without outside pressure. The statement reflected broader concerns that unilateral moves could weaken trust among allies at a time of heightened global instability.

The White House has maintained that Greenland’s location makes it critical to modern defence planning, particularly as Arctic shipping routes open and competition over resources intensifies. US officials have argued that closer American involvement would enhance the island’s security against emerging threats in the region.

Greenland, the world’s largest island, was a Danish colony before being granted home rule in 1979. Its autonomy was significantly expanded in 2009, giving local authorities control over most domestic matters. However, Denmark continues to manage foreign affairs, defence, and security on Greenland’s behalf.

Analysts note that Greenland’s growing geopolitical importance is linked not only to defence considerations but also to its untapped mineral resources and strategic location between North America and Europe. These factors have drawn increased attention from global powers, raising concerns among smaller states about pressure from larger nations.

Danish officials have emphasised that cooperation, dialogue, and respect for international law remain essential to managing Arctic security. They have warned that confrontational approaches risk damaging alliances that have underpinned regional stability for decades.

As discussions around Greenland’s future continue, Denmark and Greenland have reiterated their commitment to peaceful engagement and multilateral cooperation, urging all partners to uphold sovereignty and mutual trust in an increasingly contested global environment.