Trump threatens Greenland takeover as Carney meets with Danish PM.

PARIS — Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed Canada’s support for Denmark on Tuesday, rejecting renewed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the United States could annex Greenland.

Speaking at the Canadian Embassy in Paris following meetings with Danish leadership, Carney said the future of Greenland rests “solely with the people of Denmark and Greenland,” underscoring principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national self-determination.

“Those principles are not negotiable,” Carney said, adding that Canada will always stand with Denmark, including its autonomous Arctic territory of Greenland. He emphasized that NATO already provides collective security in the region, including Greenland, and that no unilateral action is justified under the alliance framework.

Carney noted that Canada and its NATO partners are intensifying Arctic security cooperation as geopolitical pressures increase, particularly with expanded Russian and Chinese activity in polar waters.

Trump’s remarks followed a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. In recent days, Trump has also publicly floated potential U.S. actions involving Cuba and Colombia, further heightening diplomatic tensions.

On Monday, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller stated that Greenland “should be part of the United States.” Trump reinforced the position by appointing a special envoy to Greenland in December, arguing the island is critical to U.S. national security. That envoy, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, wrote on social media that his role is “to make Greenland a part of the U.S.”

Denmark responded by announcing it would summon the U.S. ambassador — a formal diplomatic reprimand — to demand clarification. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any U.S. attempt to take Greenland would effectively undermine NATO itself.

Carney also confirmed that Canada will open a consulate in Nuuk in early February, calling it a tangible step in strengthening Canada’s Arctic engagement. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said she will attend the opening, describing it as a concrete commitment to deeper cooperation with Greenland and Denmark.

Governor General Mary Simon, who is Inuk and previously served as Canada’s ambassador to Denmark and for Circumpolar Affairs, is also expected to attend.

Carney met privately with Frederiksen ahead of a Paris summit of Ukrainian allies focused on finalizing long-term security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement with Russia. Frederiksen thanked Carney for Canada’s support and stressed the importance of NATO unity in securing the Arctic.

Trump has repeatedly raised the idea of annexing Greenland since beginning his second term, citing both national security concerns and the island’s significant reserves of critical minerals. The United States already maintains a defense agreement with Denmark dating back to 1951.

On Tuesday, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement affirming Greenland’s status. While acknowledging the United States as an essential NATO partner, the leaders emphasized that Arctic security must be pursued collectively and in accordance with the UN Charter.

“Greenland belongs to its people,” the statement said. “It is for Denmark and Greenland — and them alone — to decide their future.”

Fifth Pillar Media Group will continue to monitor diplomatic developments in the Arctic as tensions over sovereignty and security intensify.