COPENHAGEN – Greenland’s leader made it clear on Monday that the vast Arctic island is not for sale, responding firmly to recent comments by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Greenland has been part of Denmark for more than 600 years and holds a unique position as a semi-autonomous territory.
“Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale,” declared Prime Minister Mute Egede in a written statement. “We must protect the freedom we’ve worked so hard to maintain.”
Trump had raised eyebrows over the weekend when he made a post on Truth Social, stating, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” He did not provide further details about his statement.
Adding to the tension, Trump announced his choice of Ken Howery, a former envoy to Sweden, as his ambassador to Copenhagen, signaling potential diplomatic challenges ahead.
Why Greenland is Important
Greenland, with a population of only about 56,000 people, holds significant strategic value. It is home to the Pituffik Air Base, a critical location for the U.S. military’s ballistic missile early-warning system. The island’s position between North America and Europe makes it key to global security and Arctic operations.
This is not the first time Trump has expressed interest in Greenland. Back in 2019, during his presidency, he floated the idea of purchasing the island. Both Denmark and Greenland quickly dismissed the idea as absurd. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the time called the proposal “nonsensical,” leading to a heated exchange where Trump labeled her response as “nasty” and canceled a planned visit to Copenhagen. Frederiksen remains Denmark’s leader and has consistently opposed the idea of selling Greenland.
Greenland’s Independence Option
Since 2009, Greenland has had the legal right to declare independence from Denmark. However, the island relies heavily on financial support from Copenhagen, which has deterred any moves toward full independence so far.
Trump and International Disputes
In addition to the Greenland comments, Trump also sparked controversy on Sunday by threatening to reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal. He accused Panama of charging excessive rates for passage through the canal. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino strongly rebuked Trump’s remarks, adding another layer of international tension.
Greenland’s Future
Greenland’s leaders and people remain united in their stance. “We are proud of our land and our freedom,” Egede emphasized. As Trump prepares to take office on January 20, the world watches closely to see how his comments will shape diplomatic relations between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland.
