COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The Prime Minister of Greenland, Múte B. Egede, expressed on Friday that the residents of the mineral-rich Arctic territory do not aspire to become Americans; however, he recognizes U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s keen interest in Greenland due to its strategic significance. Egede conveyed his openness to fostering deeper collaboration with the United States.
These remarks follow Trump’s recent statements suggesting he might consider utilizing force or economic pressure to make Greenland, an autonomous region of Denmark, a U.S. territory, viewing it as a national security issue for the U.S.
Egede pointed out Greenland’s geographical ties to North America, acknowledging that Americans perceive it as part of their sphere. Although he has yet to directly converse with Trump, he remains receptive to dialogues that focus on shared interests. “Cooperation involves conversation and a commitment to finding common solutions,” Egede remarked.
Egede has consistently advocated for Greenlandic independence, highlighting a historical context where he views Denmark as a colonial entity whose treatment of the Indigenous Inuit population has left much to be desired. “Greenland is for Greenlanders. We do not aspire to be Danish or American. Our identity is firmly Greenlandic,” he stated during a joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen.
Trump’s interest in Greenland has generated unease not only in Denmark but across Europe as well. The U.S. stands as a pivotal ally of the European Union and the NATO alliance, and many were taken aback by the notion that a newly elected U.S. leader might consider aggressive measures against an ally.
Despite this tension, Frederiksen found a silver lining in the current discourse. “The ongoing conversation about Greenland’s potential independence, coupled with the recent remarks from the U.S., highlights the significant interest in our region,” she stated. “It’s a conversation that resonates deeply with people in both Greenland and Denmark.”
Frederiksen affirmed the importance of U.S. relations, declaring, “The U.S. is our closest ally, and we will strive to maintain a robust partnership.” Both leaders provided their statements after a scheduled biennial assembly that included Denmark and its territories, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, unrelated to Trump’s comments.
Additionally, Trump’s eldest son visited Greenland recently, arriving on a plane marked with the name TRUMP and distributing “Make America Great Again” hats to locals. A report from the Danish public broadcaster indicated that Trump’s team encouraged homeless and disadvantaged residents in Greenland to participate in a promotional video while receiving a complimentary meal in a local restaurant. One resident expressed concerns regarding the situation, stating, “They are being bribed, and it is deeply distasteful.”
Greenland is home to around 57,000 individuals and is a vast territory rich in natural resources including oil, gas, and rare earth elements, which are becoming increasingly accessible as glacial ice melts due to climate change. The island is strategically located in the Arctic, an area of growing interest for nations like Russia and China seeking to expand their influence.
As the world’s largest island, Greenland is situated closer to the North American mainland than to Denmark. While the Danish government oversees its foreign affairs and defense, the United States also plays a role in its defense, operating an air force base in Greenland under a treaty established in 1951.
