‘We Aren't Some Piece Of Ice’: Greenland PM Hits Back At Trump, Calls For NATO Unity

Last Updated:April 10, 2026, 02:22 IST

Greenland PM Nielsen rejects Trumps insult and control ambitions, urges NATO allies to defend international law as talks with US continue over Arctic security and bases.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on Thursday hit out at US President Donald Trump over his fresh comments about the Arctic island, and called on NATO allies to stand together to defend international law

Trump, expressing frustration over NATO’s stance on the Iran conflict, criticised the alliance in a social media post, saying that the military alliance was not around when needed and would not be there “if we need them again." He also referred to Greenland as a “big, poorly run piece of ice."

“NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN. REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!" Trump had said in a post on Truth Social.

Nielsen rejected the characterisation, saying, “We are not some piece of ice. We are a proud population of 57,000 people, working every single day as good global citizens in full respect for all our allies," as reported by news agency Reuters.

He emphasised the importance of preserving the post-war global order, including NATO and adherence to international law, warning that these principles are increasingly being challenged. “All allies should stand together to maintain them," he said.

“Those things are being challenged now, and I think all allies should stand together to try to maintain them. I hope that will happen," he said.

The remarks come as diplomatic talks between Greenland, Denmark and the United States continue following renewed tensions earlier this year. Trump had revived his push to bring Greenland under US control, even raising the possibility of military force, prompting concern among European allies.

The White House in January said Trump was weighing a use of military force in Greenland, leading Germany, France and other European nations to send small contingents of troops to the island in a message of solidarity and deterrence, while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte helped steer the situation toward a diplomatic track.

Trump later backed down after talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, stating that “the framework of a future deal" had been formed and moving the Greenland conflict to a diplomatic track. His latest social media post on the island followed a new meeting with Rutte on Wednesday.

Despite ongoing negotiations and discussions around increased defence cooperation, Nielsen indicated skepticism about Washington’s intentions. “I cannot see that his desire to either take over or control Greenland has been taken off the table," he said.

The United States already maintains a military presence on the island under a 1951 treaty, a factor expected to play a role in future discussions.

(With inputs from agencies)

News world ‘We Aren't Some Piece Of Ice’: Greenland PM Hits Back At Trump, Calls For NATO Unity

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