COPENHAGEN

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Tuesday vowed to resist what she described as “unacceptable pressure” from the United States over Greenland.

Her comments came in an interview with Danish broadcasters TV2 and DR after Washington announced a high-level US delegation would visit Greenland later this week.

“I have to say that it is unacceptable pressure being placed on Greenland and Denmark in this situation. And it is pressure that we will resist,” she said. “It is clearly not a visit that is about what Greenland needs, or what Greenland wants.”

The American delegation includes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Usha Vance, Vice President JD Vance’s wife.

White House spokesman Brian Hughes said the delegation aims "to learn about Greenland, its culture, history and people." Frederiksen, however, dismissed that claim.

“You can't make a private visit with official representatives from another country,” she said, pointing out that government negotiations are currently underway in Greenland and that Greenlandic politicians have asked US officials not to visit.

“This cannot be seen independently of the statements and messages we have heard from the American side since January,” she said, referring to US President Donald Trump’s pledge that the US will acquire Greenland “one way or the other.”

Frederiksen said the Trump administration’s interest in the island poses a direct challenge to Danish sovereignty.

She said that as prime minister, she would back her Greenlandic colleagues. She emphasized that allies must work together in a way they have done for "many years."

“It must be done with respect for the sovereignty of states and the integrity of territories,” she said. “There is massive support from both the Nordic region and the EU. We have our allies, close partners, and neighbors with us.”