Greenland’s newly appointed leader has firmly addressed Donald Trump’s recent aggressive statements regarding the island’s sovereignty, making it clear that Greenland will not be ceded to the United States.
During a press conference on Sunday, Trump hinted at the potential use of military force to annex the resource-rich Arctic territory, following earlier comments about acquiring Greenland. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who took office as prime minister on March 28, responded to Trump’s declaration, stating:
“Let me be clear: The United States will not get that. We do not belong to others. We decide our own future.”
Nielsen advocates for economic independence
Nielsen expressed his vision for Greenland to ultimately achieve independence through economic self-sufficiency. Currently, the island is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which provides substantial financial support amounting to hundreds of millions of euros annually. Greenland, however, is not a member of the European Union.
In contrast, Trump and Vice President JD Vance are pushing for the island to be integrated into the United States. On a recent trip to Greenland, Vance made remarks aimed at winning over the local population, criticizing Denmark while suggesting that military intervention would not be necessary if Greenlanders would consider making a deal with the U.S.
Call for unity and composure
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Nielsen urged his fellow citizens to remain calm and united in the face of external pressures. He emphasized the importance of responding with dignity and unity, affirming that it is essential to convey to the American president that Greenland is, and will remain, a self-determining nation. “We must not be shaken,” he stated. “We must react with calm, dignity and unity. And it is through these values that we must clearly, distinctly and calmly show the American president that Greenland is ours.”