King Frederik X of Denmark is set to begin his visit to Greenland on Monday, April 28, in a gesture aimed at reinforcing the unity between Denmark and the island, following controversial comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The visit comes in the wake of months of heightened tension stemming from Trump’s repeated remarks suggesting that Greenland “should” become part of the United States.
During his visit, King Frederik X plans to tour the island’s capital, Nuuk, and visit Nord Station, a military outpost in the northern part of Greenland. He will also participate in a Sirius patrol, a special forces unit that uses dog sleds to navigate Greenland’s expansive ice sheet. This unit had previously been mocked by Trump, who criticized Denmark’s defense spending in Greenland. Although the King was expected to arrive on Monday evening, weather conditions delayed his flight until Tuesday morning.
The Trump administration has persistently expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark. Reports also indicated that Trump had directed officials to investigate the cost of purchasing Greenland.
