Mette Frederiksen: The woman standing up for Greenland

What you probably already know: President Trump’s back and forth fixation on controlling Greenland has shined a spotlight on someone you most probably had never heard of: Mette Frederiksen, the prime minister of Denmark. Frederiksen, a member of the center-left Social Democratic Party, was elected prime minister in 2019 after a 20-year political career, including stints as both the country’s minister of justice and employment. Frederiksen and other European leaders have stood up to Trump, whom the Washington, D.C.-based Arctic Institute labels a “schoolyard bully” for his pursuit of the country, which he insists is vital to national security. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Why it matters: The U.S. taking over Greenland would have major implications for NATO and the European Alliance, with many speculating it would end more than 80 years of cooperation and lead to a new world order where the United States is no longer viewed as a leader of the free world. The president recently ruled out military force, though future actions regarding the country remain unanswered. The Brookings Institution notes that America had previously expressed interest in the country, with President Harry Truman once offering to buy it for $100 million. Denmark rejected that bid but, in a 1951 treaty allowed an American military presence in the country, which now numbers about 56,000 people.

What it means: The New York Times says Frederiksen, 48, has for months “played a nervous game of brinksmanship,” adding that she remains locked in an “unwanted struggle” with the “mercurial” president. The article, written by Jeffrey Gettleman and Maya Tekeli (who spent time with Frederiksen on a visit to Greenland last fall), notes that Frederiksen — the youngest prime minister in Danish history when she was elected — called in troops from several European countries and ignored the president’s tariff threats. Frederiksen’s New Year’s Address mentioned her commitment to social justice and the “conflict over Greenland,” saying that she remains focused on guiding both Denmark and Europe “through a difficult time.”

What happens next: The president’s chaotic messaging is confusing, and next steps are unclear. Surveys show that more than 85% of Greenland residents oppose a U.S. takeover, leading many analysts to speculate that the U.S. may launch a public relations campaign in the country. Besides ruling out military force, President Trump has also dropped the idea of retaliatory tariffs, at least for now. The Arctic Institute speculates that the president would theoretically need the approval of Congress to use military force, but might decide to pressure Greenland and Denmark “by, for example, increasing American military activity in and around Greenland, continue to interfere in local politics and come with additional public announcements and threats.” As Frederiksen told the Times’ Jim Tankersley after the president ruled out military force: “I think we now have a more traditional path to follow to try to find a diplomatic solution.”