NUUK, Greenland (AP) — Greenland’s party leaders have firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s persistent suggestions for the United States to take control of the island, asserting that the future of Greenland should be determined by its own people. In a statement released on Friday night, Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, along with four other party leaders, stated, “We don’t want to be Americans, we don’t want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders.”
On the same day, Trump reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland, a semiautonomous region that is part of NATO ally Denmark, suggesting that a deal could be reached “the easy way.” He warned that if the U.S. did not secure ownership, rival nations such as Russia or China might claim the territory, expressing concerns over having them as neighbors. Trump stated, “If we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way,” although he did not clarify what such an approach would entail. The White House acknowledged that various options, including military action, are under consideration to acquire the island.
Greenland’s party leaders reiterated their stance that “Greenland’s future must be decided by the Greenlandic people.” The leaders expressed a desire for U.S. officials to stop their dismissive attitude towards Greenland, adding, “As Greenlandic party leaders, we would like to emphasize once again our wish that the United States’ contempt for our country ends.”
In addition, officials from Denmark, Greenland, and the United States convened in Washington on Thursday and plan to meet again next week to deliberate on the renewed push by the Trump administration for control over Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has cautioned that any American takeover of Greenland could signify the end of NATO as an alliance.
The collective statement from Greenland's party leaders stressed that any decisions regarding the island’s future should arise from discussions with the Greenlandic populace, rooted in international law. They asserted, “No other country can interfere in this. We must decide the future of our country ourselves, without pressure for quick decisions, delays, or interference from other countries.”
Greenland, recognized as the largest island globally, harbors a population of roughly 57,000 residents and lacks its own military. Denmark is responsible for its defense; however, Denmark’s military capabilities are significantly smaller compared to those of the United States.
The potential reaction of other NATO members remains uncertain if the U.S. were to forcibly annex Greenland. It is unclear whether they would extend support and assistance to Denmark in such a scenario or how it might reshape alliances within NATO.
