Macron visits Greenland opposing Trump annexation threats

On Jun. 15, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Nuuk, Greenland, declaring “Greenland is not to be sold, not to be taken.”

Macron met with Danish Prime Minister MFMette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister JNJens-Frederik Nielsen aboard a Danish helicopter carrier to underscore European unity on Arctic security.

President Donald J. Trump has publicly said he wants to take control of Greenland and has not ruled out using military force, with Pentagon planning reportedly under consideration.

Vice President JVJD Vance visited Greenland in late Mar. 2025 to make a case for American control and to tour U.S. military facilities.

Greenland has a population of approximately 57,000 inhabitants, including over 19,000 residents in the capital, Nuuk.

Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark with the legal right to declare full independence.

Denmark pledged 14.6 billion Danish kroner (about $2.1 billion) for Arctic security enhancements, including three new naval vessels, long-range drones, and satellites.

Macron labeled the U.S. annexation threats as “predatory ambition” and said he doubted an ally would act aggressively toward another ally.

An IFOP poll showed that 43% of French citizens would support using military force to prevent a U.S. invasion of Greenland, while a separate poll found 56% of Americans disapprove of annexing Greenland.

Denmark ordered French-made surface-to-air missiles as part of its upgraded defense plans in response to the threats.

Macron said Russia “lacks credibility” to mediate Middle East conflicts, referencing its invasion of Ukraine when President Trump suggested Russian mediation between Israel and Iran.

Macron’s agenda in Greenland focused on Arctic security, climate change mitigation, and economic development partnerships.