US President Donald Trump sparked widespread controversy after stating that the United States “will acquire Greenland one way or another.” This came during his first address to Congress since taking office in January, prompting strong responses from the leaders of Denmark and Greenland, who viewed the remarks as unacceptable interference in the island's affairs.
Local and international media outlets have published a video of US President Donald Trump saying that America will acquire Greenland one way or another. Although Trump affirmed his support for the ”right of the Greenlanders to self-determination,” his remarks carried a decisive tone when he said: “I think we will acquire Greenland one way or another. It is a vast land with few inhabitants, and it is of great strategic importance.”
These remarks reflect the Trump administration's continued interest in the resource-rich island and its sensitive strategic location. Political analysts have described the statement as a new escalation in US policy toward Greenland.
Official responses from Greenland and Denmark
According to TV2, Greenland's Prime Minister Motti B. Egied responded firmly to Trump's statements, asserting that "Greenland is not for sale" and that it will remain independent from both the United States and Denmark. He wrote in a Facebook post: "Greenland is ours, and we are not for sale. We are not Americans or Danes, we are Greenlanders. The Americans and their leadership need to understand that."“
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded to Trump's remarks by stating that Greenland is not for sale, affirming Denmark's commitment to maintaining the Kingdom's unity with Greenland and the Faroe Islands, while acknowledging the Greenlandic people's desire for greater autonomy. She added in a statement to TV2: "We want to maintain our unity, but this unity must develop on the basis of equality and mutual respect."“
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen urged caution in addressing the issue, stating that it was essential to respect the electoral process in Greenland before making any decisions regarding the future relationship with the United States. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized that the United States could not impose its will on Greenland, asserting that the future must be decided by the Greenlanders themselves.
Radical Party leader Martin Lidegaard also criticized Trump's remarks, calling them "disrespectful" and stating that Greenland cannot be treated as a commodity that can be bought or negotiated.
The escalation in the American position requires serious attention.
Professor Marlene Wind of the University of Copenhagen, commenting to the Jyllands-Posten newspaper, as reported by TV2, said that Trump's statements represent "an escalation that Denmark must take seriously," noting that Trump's policy is based on constant pressure until he gets what he wants.
Implications for Danish and Greenlandic policy
These statements come at a sensitive time, as Greenland prepares to hold elections on March 11, and the issue of independence is expected to be one of the most important issues during the election campaign.
Trump's remarks appear to be opening a new chapter in the debate over Greenland's future, potentially leading to increased political and diplomatic pressure on Denmark. With elections approaching in Greenland, the question of independence and relations with the United States will remain central to political discussions on the island, amid concerns about escalating US pressure in the coming years.
