President Donald Trump has rekindled interest in acquiring Greenland, a vast autonomous territory under Denmark's jurisdiction. Trump expressed confidence that the United States would ultimately gain control of Greenland, citing its population of 57,000 residents who, he claims, "want to be with us." This bold assertion has sparked a diplomatic stir between the US and Denmark, as well as among Greenland's local leaders.
Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede responded by affirming the island's autonomy over its land use but showed openness to strengthening ties with the US, particularly in defense and mining sectors. Although Greenland enjoys significant self-governance, it remains part of the Danish kingdom. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly stated that Greenland is not for sale, a stance she reiterated during a tense 45-minute phone call with Trump last week.
The remarks from President Trump have sent ripples through Denmark's political circles, prompting urgent discussions in Copenhagen. Local sentiments in Greenland echo strong opposition to the idea of a sale. Kaaleeraq Ringsted, a church elder on the island, criticized Trump's language as "not acceptable," reinforcing the sentiment that "Greenland is not for sale." Despite Trump's interests, a prevalent view among Greenlanders is that the territory will eventually achieve independence.
Strategically positioned on the shortest route from North America to Europe, Greenland holds significant geopolitical value for the US. The island boasts abundant natural resources such as rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron. It is also home to a major US space facility. Trump's renewed focus on Greenland in recent weeks has raised concerns about potential strategies involving military or economic measures to achieve his goal.
The notion of acquiring Greenland is not new for Trump, who floated the idea during his first term in 2019. He has repeatedly emphasized that US control of Greenland is an "absolute necessity" for international security. However, the prospect of such a takeover has met with resistance from both Danish and Greenlandic authorities.
Local voices on the island express a range of reactions to Trump's ambitions. A fishing boat captain from Kapisillit extended an invitation, stating Trump was "welcome to visit," but firmly asserted that "Greenland belongs to Greenlanders."
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