A new poll reveals that 60 percent of Danes now view the United States as an adversary rather than an ally, marking a dramatic shift in public opinion following weeks of escalating tensions over President Trump’s push to acquire Greenland. Only 17 percent of respondents still consider the US an ally, while 20 percent remain uncertain.
Historic Shift in Danish-American Relations
The relationship between Denmark and the United States has become severely strained over the past year. Donald Trump’s repeated demands to take control of Greenland have not been well received, and at times the risk of armed conflict with the US has even been discussed. Not as a likely scenario, to be clear, but as something that could not be completely ruled out.
This situation was completely unthinkable just a few years ago. Successive Danish governments have considered the US their closest ally for decades.
The polling data from Epinion, conducted for DR, shows that the current situation has profoundly affected how Danes view the United States. A solid majority of respondents now see the US as an adversary instead of an ally.
Interestingly, this negative view of the US spans across all demographic groups. Men, women, young people, older citizens, left-wing voters, right-wing voters, and residents from all parts of the country share this perspective. The majority sees the US as an adversary.
Political Reactions to the Poll Results
The results come as a shock to Lars-Christian Brask, foreign affairs spokesperson for Liberal Alliance. He describes the findings as somewhat frightening, noting that the US is one of Denmark’s longest standing alliance partners. Denmark has maintained diplomatic relations with the US for over 225 years, built on a close friendship and alliance. Suddenly, 60 percent of the population no longer views it that way.
Despite finding the results dramatic, Brask understands why Danes responded as they did. He acknowledges that the reaction is probably justified because Denmark has not been treated properly by the president.
The Radical Party leader Martin Lidegaard agrees. He says the poll demonstrates that Denmark’s relationship with the US has undergone a drastic transformation. Given the threats against Greenland and Denmark’s economy, this shift is hardly surprising.
Timeline of Growing Tensions
The Epinion survey was conducted between January 21 and 28, 2026. On January 21, Donald Trump attempted to de-escalate the conflict over Greenland by announcing that he did not intend to use military force to take over the territory. He also indicated that some form of framework for a future agreement about Greenland was in place.
Before that date, the situation had become increasingly tense. Trump repeatedly stated his desire to acquire Greenland and refused multiple times to rule out the use of military force.
This escalation pushed the Danish government to adopt unusually strong rhetoric. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the pressure from the US unacceptable. She stated that if the US attacked another NATO country, implicitly referring to Denmark and Greenland, then everything would end.
Meanwhile, thousands of protesters took to the streets across Denmark on January 17, chanting “Greenland is not for sale” and carrying “Hands Off Greenland” banners. Greenlandic activist Julie Rademacher emphasized that the demonstrations sent a global message about democracy and human rights, with solidarity events occurring in multiple cities.
Congressional Delegation Attempts to Reassure
A bipartisan US congressional delegation visited Copenhagen on January 17 to reaffirm NATO commitments and counter Trump’s rhetoric. Led by Senator Chris Coons and including Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis, and several House Democrats, the group met with Danish and Greenlandic officials.
The delegation emphasized shared Arctic security interests without territorial acquisition. Shaheen stated that such threats undermine NATO unity. Coons described Denmark as one of America’s oldest and strongest NATO allies in an increasingly unstable world.
Following discussions with US officials, Danish and Greenlandic leaders held a press conference rejecting any US acquisition of Greenland. They announced a high-level working group to address US security concerns, such as Arctic threats from Russia and China, while respecting Denmark’s boundaries.
Political Divide on Denmark’s Closest Ally
Politicians at Christiansborg are divided on whether the US can still be considered Denmark’s nearest alliance partner. Martin Lidegaard and the Radical Party believe the European Union has taken that position.
Lidegaard shares the view of the 60 percent of Danes who see the US as an adversary. He believes the EU is now Denmark’s closest ally. Over recent months, the US has acted more like an opponent. Hopefully, Denmark will return to a place where the US is not perceived as an adversary, but regardless, the EU now holds that top position.
Lars-Christian Brask sees Donald Trump, rather than the US as a whole, as the main problem. He still considers the US an ally and an incredibly important trading partner. The US remains a friend and an ally. Denmark currently has a somewhat difficult president in the Oval Office who does things that are unusual and volatile. But there will be times after this administration, and Denmark should try to maintain a solid and proper relationship with the US.
Despite “agree to disagree” stances, ongoing discussions aim to de-escalate tensions. Denmark continues positioning itself as a reliable NATO partner, having allocated nearly $15 billion USD to defense efforts.
Limited US Public Support for Greenland Acquisition
An overwhelming 86 percent of US voters oppose military action to acquire Greenland, according to a Quinnipiac University poll. Additionally, 55 percent oppose any purchase, while 37 percent support it, indicating limited domestic backing for Trump’s push.
The dispute has prompted European responses, including French-Danish military exercises. US NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker dismissed backlash as an overreaction to core Arctic interests.
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen maintained on January 21, shortly after Trump ruled out military force, that the US was still Denmark’s closest ally. He clarified that the US as a nation is much more than its president.
About the Poll
The Epinion poll was based on 1,053 completed interviews with representatively selected Danes aged 18 and over. The survey was conducted as a web-based panel study between January 21 and January 28, 2026. The maximum sampling uncertainty for the overall results is plus or minus 3.0 percentage points.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Best Lawyer in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Stort flertal ser nu USA som modstander ikke som allieret
