Danish prime minister stands behind Greenland’s rejection of potential sale after Trump cancels visit

by Justin Wise - 08/21/19 11:31 AM ET

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is standing behind Greenland in light of its territory’s rejection of a potential sale to the U.S.

Frederiksen expressed solidarity with Greenland Premier Kim Kielsen on Wednesday after Trump postponed an upcoming visit to Denmark in the wake of the critical comments she made about his interest in purchasing the semi-autonomous Danish island.

{mosads}“A discussion about a potential sale of Greenland has been put forward. It has been rejected by Greenland Premier Kim Kielsen, and I fully stand behind that rejection,” she told reporters, according to The Associated Press.

Frederiksen said that relations between Denmark and the United States were not “in any crisis” despite Trump’s decision to forego a trip to the country.

“I don’t believe that the cancellation should have any influence on other matters,” she said, acknowledging that she was “disappointed and surprised” by Trump’s move.

Trump late Tuesday abruptly announced that he was calling off his visit to Denmark next month in light of Frederiksen’s remarks about his “absurd” interest in purchasing Greenland.

“Denmark is a very special country with incredible people, but based on Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s comments, that she would have no interest in discussing the purchase of Greenland, I will be postponing our meeting scheduled in two weeks for another time,” Trump tweeted.

“The Prime Minister was able to save a great deal of expense and effort for both the United States and Denmark by being so direct. I thank her for that and look forward to rescheduling sometime in the future!” he added.

Reports emerged last week that Trump had begun talking to aides about the possibility of purchasing Greenland, which is home to more than 50,000 people. The president confirmed his interest on Sunday, saying that he was interested in the land for strategic purposes.

On Monday, he appeared to poke fun at the idea, sharing an edited picture depicting a Trump Tower looming over Greenland.