Denmark’s foreign minister has reaffirmed Greenland’s right to independence but dismissed the notion of the Arctic island becoming a U.S. state. The remarks came a day after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump suggested he might use economic or military means to acquire the strategically significant territory.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede met Denmark’s King Frederik on Wednesday as the island’s future dominated global headlines. Trump’s comments, alongside a private visit to Greenland by his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., have sparked international concern over U.S. intentions in the Arctic.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, has been under Danish sovereignty for 600 years but enjoys self-governance in domestic affairs. With a population of 57,000, the mineral-rich territory is of strategic importance to NATO due to its location on the shortest route between Europe and North America.
Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen acknowledged Greenland’s aspirations for independence. “We fully recognize Greenland’s ambitions. If they materialize, Greenland will become independent, though hardly with an ambition to become a U.S. federal state,” Rasmussen said. He also noted the U.S.’s legitimate security concerns in the Arctic due to increasing Russian and Chinese activity in the region.
Despite Trump’s assertive remarks, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed the likelihood of U.S. military intervention. Denmark’s military presence in Greenland is minimal, with limited patrol vessels, a surveillance plane, and dog sled units. Frederiksen also criticized the potential for U.S. tariffs on Danish goods, saying, “A trade war with the United States is not the way forward.”
Greenland’s Finance Minister Erik Jensen reiterated that the island is not for sale, emphasizing the government’s goal of eventual independence. “Our wish is to become independent one day. But our ambition is not to go from being governed by one country to another,” Jensen stated.
The controversy has reignited tensions between Denmark and Greenland, with Egede using his New Year speech to push for greater autonomy. Allegations of historical mistreatment of Greenlanders by Denmark have further strained relations.
International reactions to Trump’s comments have been critical. France’s foreign minister warned against any attempts to violate sovereign borders, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed surprise at Trump’s remarks. European leaders have underscored their commitment to upholding territorial integrity.
While many Greenlanders aspire to independence, Denmark’s King Frederik remains a popular figure on the island. The monarch has a deep connection to Greenland, including extended stays and expeditions on the ice sheet. Experts believe his presence could help strengthen Danish-Greenlandic ties during a time of heightened tensions.
Trump’s latest remarks about acquiring Greenland follow similar suggestions during his first presidency, leaving many Danes perplexed. “I find it extremely ridiculous,” said Jeppe Finne Sorenson, a Copenhagen resident. “We’re allies, and this doesn’t respect that.”
