Greenland Leaders Firmly Reject Trump's Renewed Calls for Annexation

The political leadership in Greenland has issued a strong and clear disapproval regarding former U.S. President Donald Trump's reassertion of his interest in acquiring the Arctic island. Trump recently mentioned during an Oval Office press briefing that he believed acquiring Greenland "will happen," citing crucial national security interests for the United States.

Greenland's political leader, Egede, reacted swiftly, indicating his plan to rally other political party leaders on the island to formally reject Trump's advances. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, likely to become the next prime minister following recent elections, also criticized Trump's statement, describing the remarks as inappropriate and highlighting the need for Greenlanders to unite in such moments.

Trump shared his views with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, emphasizing the island's importance for international security. Trump's reasoning appeared tied to perceived threats from unspecified foreign actors navigating Arctic waters. While Rutte chose not to engage directly with Trump's assertions, avoiding NATO involvement explicitly, he did acknowledge that developments in the Arctic require close attention.

This controversy followed closely after Greenland's parliamentary elections, during which the pro-business party Demokraatit won a surprise victory over the governing Inuit Ataqatigiit party, signaling potential shifts in domestic politics. However, regardless of political differences, all major political figures from Greenland remain united in opposition to U.S. annexation, affirming their preference either to stay associated with Denmark or pursue independence on their own terms.

Amidst discussions about independence and ties with Denmark, Trump also questioned Denmark's historical claims to Greenland, suggesting that Denmark's connection to the island was tenuous. This claim contradicted historical consensus and international recognition of Denmark’s long-standing governance. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has consistently rejected Trump's overtures, clearly stating that Greenland is not for sale.

In Denmark, criticism of Trump's rhetoric was equally strong, with Rasmus Jarlov, who chairs Denmark’s parliamentary defense committee, openly expressing displeasure on social media. He went as far as to suggest that the notion of annexation humorously implied by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during his interaction with Trump was inappropriate, stating seriously that such moves could potentially lead to military conflict between allied NATO nations.