Let’s see if the narrative changes when Trump is in the Oval Office.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, has firmly rejected the idea of the U.S. purchasing the autonomous Danish territory, a notion that President Donald Trump had previously entertained. On a recent appearance on “Special Report,” Egede clarified that Greenlanders are proud of their identity and do not wish to become part of the United States or Denmark. “We want to be Greenlanders,” Egede stated emphatically, underlining that while Greenland will continue to be a NATO ally and a strong partner for the U.S., it will maintain its distinct identity.
This statement comes on the heels of Trump’s earlier comments suggesting that he might consider using military or economic pressure to secure Greenland, viewing the island as a crucial piece in U.S. national security and economic interests. At a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, the incoming president expressed concerns over Greenland’s strategic location, citing its proximity to Russia and China. “We need them for economic security,” Trump said, making clear that Greenland’s resources and location could offer vital advantages to the U.S.
Fox News correspondent Alex Hogan visited Greenland in January to get the pulse of its residents on the issue. Many expressed a preference for staying within the Kingdom of Denmark rather than aligning with the U.S. One individual remarked, “The United States used to be a place that was sort of admired here. And basically, all the goodwill that they used to have is almost gone now.”
However, not all Greenlanders are opposed to closer ties with America. Jørgen Boassen, a pro-Trump resident, pointed out that Greenland’s location places it at the intersection of American and adversarial forces like Russia and China, making it strategically vital for U.S. interests.
When asked about the possibility of Greenland gaining independence from Denmark, Egede acknowledged that the decision would be up to the people of Greenland. He assured that, regardless of their future political status, Greenland would always stand as a committed partner to the West and the U.S. in particular.
Egede also highlighted the untapped wealth of Greenland’s natural resources, including rare earth minerals like zinc, gold, and uranium. He urged for greater investment from the U.S. and European Union to help diversify Greenland’s economy and ensure its future prosperity. Greenland currently does not have any Chinese firms operating on its soil, a fact Egede proudly pointed out as part of their commitment to strong Western partnerships.
As Greenland asserts its independence and sovereignty, it remains clear that it values its relationship with the U.S. but is resolute in maintaining its self-determination. The idea of a U.S. purchase or annexation is, at least for now, firmly off the table.