Polls opened Tuesday across Denmark for a snap parliamentary election triggered by a diplomatic standoff with U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland, the kingdom's vast Arctic territory.

The vote, scheduled for March 24, comes seven months ahead of the planned October election. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the early ballot on February 26, betting that her firm stance against Trump's renewed push for control of Greenland would bolster her Social Democrats' position. Frederiksen, seeking a third term, has led her center-left party to the top of opinion polls since the crisis peaked in January.

Trump's interest in Greenland dates back to his first term but escalated after his 2024 reelection. In early 2026, he threatened tariffs on Denmark and European allies, hinted at military action, and demanded full control of the strategically vital island for U.S. national security and Arctic resources. Denmark reinforced its military presence there, with allies including Norway, Sweden, and France sending support under operations like Arctic Endurance. Frederiksen declared, "Greenland is not for sale," and warned that a U.S. takeover would spell the end of NATO.

Facing domestic and international pressure, Trump backed off at the Davos forum on January 21, ruling out force or tariffs and agreeing to technical talks on Arctic security cooperation. The episode united Denmark and Greenland closer than ever, with Copenhagen boosting investments tenfold in the territory's health care and education.

Recent polls show the Social Democrats in the lead, with the left-leaning "red bloc" edging toward a majority as of late February, though no outright win is expected in the 179-seat Folketing. Main challengers include Troels Lund Poulsen of the center-right Liberals and Alex Vanopslagh of the Liberal Alliance. Far-right Danish People's Party eyes a comeback.

While the Greenland row dominated headlines, voters prioritize cost-of-living pressures, migration controls, pensions, and support for Ukraine. A broad consensus exists on keeping Greenland within the kingdom, sidelining the issue in the campaign. Results are expected late Tuesday, with coalitions likely as proportional representation favors multiparty governments.

Frederiksen's gamble reflects how Trump's foreign policy has reshaped allied politics, turning a potential liability into an electoral asset.