Greenland’s Leader Rejects Trump’s Advances, Declares Island’s Sovereignty
NUUK, Greenland — Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede asserted on Wednesday that “Greenland is ours” and is not available for purchase or acquisition. This statement countered remarks from President Trump, who affirmed his administration’s support for Greenland while also suggesting the U.S. would secure the territory “one way or another.”
Egede emphasized in a Facebook post, written in both Greenlandic and Danish, that the people of Greenland identify as Greenlandic, not American or Danish. He stressed the importance of the United States understanding this distinction.
He asserted that the future of Greenland will be determined by its own population.
Egede’s remarks followed a direct appeal to Greenlanders made by Trump during a speech to Congress on Tuesday, just a week before parliamentary elections are held on the island.
“We strongly support your right to determine your own future, and if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America,” Trump stated.
He continued, “We will keep you safe. We will make you rich. And together we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before.”
However, Trump also mentioned his administration’s efforts “to try to get it,” referring to his desire to purchase Greenland from Denmark, a long-standing ally of the U.S.
“We need it really for international world security. And I think we’re going to get it. One way or the other, we’re going to get it,” Trump added.
Many Greenlanders, who reside in an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, have expressed concern and offense regarding the prospect of their homeland being taken over.
In response to Trump’s comments, Denmark’s foreign minister stated on Wednesday his disbelief that Greenlanders would prefer becoming “an integrated part of America” over remaining associated with Denmark.
Lars Løkke Rasmussen adopted a more optimistic outlook, highlighting Trump’s acknowledgement of Greenlanders’ right to self-determination as “the most important part of that speech.”
“I’m very optimistic about what will be a Greenlandic decision about this. They want to loosen their ties to Denmark, we’re working on that, to have a more equal relationship,” the minister stated during an interview.
Løkke also stressed the importance of ensuring free and fair parliamentary elections next week, “without any kind of international intervention.”
Greenland’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for Tuesday. Trump’s recent remarks about potentially acquiring the island have fueled increased interest in complete independence from Denmark, making it a central issue in the current election campaign.