Denmark announced in October that it would spend $4.2bn on increasing Arctic security, including two new military units, a joint Arctic command headquarters in Greenland’s capital of Nuuk, two ships, maritime patrol aircraft, drones and radar units. It also said it would boost its fleet of F-35 fighter jets to 43, costing another $4.5bn.

The future of Greenland was due to be discussed at a high level meeting of diplomats at the White House, hosted by U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

U.S. officials are expected to meet with Danish and Greenlandic counterparts in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.

Greenland’s prime minister said he was trying to end a "geopolitical crisis" by declaring Greenland wants to be part of Denmark, not the U.S.

Denmark and Greenland push back against Trump’s Greenland takeover plan, emphasizing NATO protection and calling for Greenlanders to have a say in their future.

Nielsen made the remarks at a joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, marking the strongest show of disapproval of President Donald Trump’s ambition to acquire Greenland

Trump's comments come after Greenland’s Prime Minister said they would "choose Denmark" over the United States.