Greenland's leader stated that the island would prefer to remain under Danish control rather than face a US takeover, amid threats from President Donald Trump. Independence talks continue, but the territory firmly rejects US ownership. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen condemned the pressure as unacceptable.
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday that amid a geopolitical crisis, the island would choose Denmark over the United States if forced to decide. Speaking at a press conference, he stressed: “One thing must be clear to everyone: Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed by the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States.” This comes ahead of critical White House talks on the Arctic island's future, which President Donald Trump has long sought to buy or annex, recently stating the US would take it “one way or the other.”
Nielsen spoke alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who described the pressure from their “closest ally” as “completely unacceptable.” She added: “However, there are many indications that the most challenging part is ahead of us.”
The day before, Nielsen posted on Facebook that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, with its security and defense under NATO. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed this at a press conference, saying the alliance would do everything necessary to protect the Arctic region, which he called a vital part of NATO territory.
EU Council President António Costa stated last Wednesday that Greenland belongs to its people and has full EU support. Last week, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement with Denmark, signaling support for Greenland against Trump's threats. China rebuked Trump's remarks, stressing a peaceful Arctic role.
The episode highlights escalating Arctic geopolitical tensions involving US, Danish, and international interests.
