Macron Condemns Trump’s Greenland Ambitions During Visit

French President Emmanuel Macron used a visit to Greenland on Sunday to deliver a pointed rebuke to former US President Donald Trump’s past suggestions of annexing the territory, stating plainly, “That’s not what allies do.” Macron’s trip marks the first time a foreign head of state has visited Greenland since Trump publicly floated the idea of a US purchase – and potentially, forceful acquisition – of the strategically important island.

Macron’s visit to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, was framed as a demonstration of solidarity with both Greenland and Denmark, reaffirming support for Greenland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He engaged in discussions with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen aboard a Danish frigate, and had planned a visit to a hydroelectric plant, which was ultimately cancelled.

The trip stands in stark contrast to the reception given to US Vice President JD Vance earlier this year. Vance’s visit in March was perceived as provocative by both Copenhagen and Nuuk, particularly after he criticized Denmark’s stewardship of Greenland and its security provisions while touring the US Pituffik military base – a crucial component of America’s missile defense system.

While Greenland remains a constituent country within the Kingdom of Denmark, a significant majority of its 57,000 inhabitants favor eventual independence – but overwhelmingly reject the prospect of becoming part of the United States. Greenland is also associated with the European Union, despite not being a full member state.

The renewed international attention on Greenland is fueled by its geostrategic importance, particularly as the Arctic region becomes increasingly accessible due to melting ice and the competition for rare earth minerals intensifies. Denmark recently announced a $2 billion investment to bolster its military presence in the Arctic, and NATO is establishing a Combined Air Operations Centre in Norway.

Macron’s visit focused on Arctic security and integrating Greenland into “European action” that respects its sovereignty and supports its development. He also visited Mount Nunatarsuaq, a glacier near Nuuk, to witness firsthand the dramatic effects of climate change. The Arctic is warming at four times the rate of the rest of the planet, and Greenland’s ice sheet experienced a record melt during a recent heatwave.

France intends to significantly increase its investment in Arctic research, building on the legacy of French explorer Paul-Emile Victor, who led numerous expeditions to Greenland in the mid-20th century. Macron’s office highlighted the recent designation of Victor’s historic hut as a protected structure.

This visit feels like a necessary assertion of European solidarity and a subtle, yet firm, message to the US regarding its approach to international relations. Trump’s overtures towards Greenland were widely seen as dismissive of both Danish and Greenlandic self-determination. Macron’s presence underscores the importance of respecting national sovereignty and engaging in diplomatic solutions, rather than resorting to potentially coercive tactics. The focus on climate change and scientific research also positions France as a responsible actor in the Arctic, prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-sighted geopolitical gains.