Denmark weighs ban on US officials over Greenland threats row

Denmark’s Aalborg Municipality has signaled it may withdraw support from the annual Rebild Festival unless American officials are barred from participating, as disputes over Greenland intensify. The July 4 event, traditionally marking US independence, has long featured US embassy representatives and military performers, but local leaders now argue that continued US rhetoric threatens Denmark’s sovereignty.

Funding leverage in North Jutland

Aalborg officials confirmed they would maintain their financial contribution only if US government representatives are removed from the program. The municipality provides around 300,000 Danish kroner to the festival, held in neighboring Rebild, which also receives public funding. Mayor Lasse Frimand Jensen said Denmark values its historic ties with the United States but cannot endorse policies that challenge the Kingdom of Denmark.

Greenland dispute reshapes celebrations

Jensen told regional media that hosting US military music at a Danish event would be inappropriate while Washington openly discusses taking control of Greenland. The autonomous Arctic territory remains part of the Danish realm and has repeatedly rejected any proposal to transfer sovereignty to the US, reinforcing Copenhagen’s position amid the diplomatic row.

Festival organizers seek clarity

Rebildselskabet, the Danish-American association organizing the festival, is expected to meet next week to decide how to proceed. The debate follows fresh remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who again framed Greenland as a “national security” necessity shortly after a reported US operation in Venezuela, adding fuel to an already sensitive transatlantic dispute.