Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, firmly dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that the United States would take control of Greenland “one way or the other.”
In a strong rebuke on Wednesday, Egede asserted, “Greenland is ours” and emphasized that the island is neither for sale nor subject to forced acquisition.
Trump’s Remarks on Greenland’s Future
Trump reignited his controversial stance on Greenland during an address to Congress on Tuesday, appealing directly to the residents of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
He stated that the U.S. “strongly supports your right to determine your own future,” adding that, should Greenlanders choose to do so, the U.S. would welcome them into the nation.
In an effort to persuade the population, Trump made grand promises: “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, his tone soon took on a more assertive stance, suggesting that Greenland’s integration into the U.S. was inevitable.
“We need Greenland for national security and even international security, and we’re working with everybody involved to try and get it,” he continued. “But we need it really for international, for world security, and I think we’re going to get it. One way or the other, we’re going to get it.”
Highlighting Greenland’s strategic importance, Trump pointed out its vast landmass despite a small population, calling it “very, very important for military security.”
Greenland’s Leadership Responds
The remarks sparked an immediate reaction from Greenland’s leadership. On Wednesday, Egede took to social media to reaffirm Greenland’s sovereignty and reject any notion of U.S. acquisition.
“We do not want to be Americans, nor Danes. We are Kalaallit (Greenlanders). The Americans and their leader must understand that,” he posted on Facebook.
Making it clear that Greenlanders will determine their own future, he added, “We are not for sale and cannot be taken. Our future is determined by us in Greenland.”
Trump’s statements come just a week before Greenland’s parliamentary elections, raising concerns among island residents about the potential impact of U.S. pressure.
The Associated Press reported that many Greenlanders found Trump’s remarks both offensive and worrying, given the territory’s mineral wealth and strategic location.
Denmark also weighed in on the matter, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen downplaying Trump’s aggressive rhetoric.
He emphasized that Greenlanders have no interest in separating from Denmark to become part of the United States. However, he acknowledged Trump’s reference to Greenland’s right to self-determination, calling it “the most important part of that speech.”
Security Expert Weighs In: A Move That Could Shake Europe
Trump’s push for control over Greenland has alarmed security analysts. Speaking to The Daily Star, Professor Anthony Glees criticized the former president’s stance, labeling it “deranged” and warning of its potential to destabilize Europe.
“Even if I had made these claims six months ago, people would have thought I lost my mind,” Glees remarked. “But this is what’s happening.”
He continued, “This is completely mad—you couldn’t dream it up. This shakes Europe to its foundation. Trump is trying to dismantle something that has taken generations to build.”
Glees argued that Trump’s approach is an attempt to undermine Danish politics and influence leaders who may be more compliant with his agenda. He further warned that these tactics could weaken NATO, drawing parallels to political maneuvers seen in Europe during the 1940s.
