Greenland's Prime Minister Responds to Trump's Annexation Proposal

This Wednesday, Múte B. Egede, the Prime Minister of Greenland, delivered a strong response to Donald Trump's recent comments about potentially annexing the territory into the United States. Egede firmly stated that the island "is not for sale" and emphasized that Greenland's future will be determined by its own people, effectively rejecting any attempts at incorporation into the U.S.

"Greenland belongs to us. We do not wish to be American, nor Danish; we are Greenlanders. The Americans and their leader need to grasp this," Egede wrote on his Facebook page. "We are not for sale, and they cannot simply acquire us, as our future is decided by us here in Greenland," he added.

This statement was issued shortly after Trump reiterated his interest in adding the Arctic island to the United States, citing national security reasons. During a speech before the U.S. Congress, Trump invited Greenlanders to join the United States, stressing that Washington would achieve this incorporation "one way or another."

Denmark and Greenland's Rejection

Egede's remarks reinforce Greenland's stance since Trump first expressed interest in acquiring the island back in 2019—a notion initially dismissed as a joke but has since become a genuine concern for its residents.

Meanwhile, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen highlighted that the Greenlanders "wish to loosen their ties with Denmark," working towards a more "equal relationship." Nonetheless, he dismissed any intention of Greenland integrating with the United States: "I have no indication that they want to do that to integrate with the U.S."

Danish Defense Minister Trouls Lund Poulsen also reacted strongly to Trump's statements, affirming, "That will not happen. Greenland's chosen path will be determined by the Greenlanders," in comments to the public broadcaster DR.

U.S. Strategic Interests in Greenland

Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire for Greenland to become part of the United States, citing its strategic significance in the Arctic and its untapped mineral and energy resources. On his social media platform, Truth Social, the former president recently asserted that "ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity for national security and global freedom."

Some sources suggest he has even considered the use of military force to ensure U.S. influence in the region. The U.S. Secretary of State has mentioned the possibility of expanding security cooperation with Greenland, Denmark, and other Nordic countries. However, any decision regarding Greenland's political future lies solely in the hands of its citizens.

Greenland's Path to Self-Determination

With a population of under 57,000 spread across 2.2 million square kilometers, Greenland has had an Autonomy Statute since 2010, which recognizes its right to self-determination. All political parties in the Greenlandic parliament support independence, though they differ on strategies to achieve it.

President Egede's party, Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), along with Siumut, advocate for building a strong economic foundation before pursuing independence. In contrast, parties like Naleraq favor a faster process, potentially through an association treaty with the United States. However, none of these plans include selling Greenland to a foreign power.

Greenland's economy heavily relies on Danish aid, which accounts for 40% of its income, while its primary economic activity revolves around fishing, making up 90% of its exports. With upcoming regional elections scheduled for March 11, the Greenlandic Parliament has approved measures to prevent foreign interference in the elections, such as banning anonymous or foreign donations to political parties.