Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has affirmed the island’s desire for self-determination, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed remarks about taking control of the territory.
“We are Greenlanders. We don’t want to be Americans. We don’t want to be Danish either. Greenland’s future will be decided by Greenland,” Egede said at a press conference on Tuesday, emphasizing that the Arctic territory’s future lies in the hands of its own people.
The comments came in response to Trump’s statement in the Oval Office on Monday, January 20, where he described Greenland as “a wonderful place” with strategic importance for international security. “I’m sure that Denmark will come along — it’s costing them a lot of money to maintain it, to keep it,” Trump said.
Egede acknowledged the growing tensions surrounding the Arctic region, noting that Nuuk is open to talks with Washington to safeguard U.S. interests in the area. He highlighted the longstanding cooperation with the United States on security, referencing the active U.S. military base in Greenland’s northwest.
“The world’s largest island has cooperated with the U.S. on security issues for more than 80 years,” Egede said, while emphasizing Greenland’s rights over its resources and future.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen also criticized Trump’s remarks, stating, “Of course we can’t have a world order where countries, if they’re big enough, no matter what they’re called, can just help themselves to what they want.”
Greenland, which boasts significant untapped mineral and oil reserves, has gained geopolitical significance as Arctic ice melts and new shipping lanes emerge. However, its economy remains heavily reliant on fishing and subsidies from Denmark, which amount to 20 percent of its GDP.
Despite its autonomy, Denmark retains control over Greenland’s judicial affairs, foreign policy, and defense. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen recently stressed the importance of Denmark’s alliance with the U.S., calling it the nation’s most significant partnership since World War II.
Greenland is set to hold elections before April 6, with independence expected to dominate the agenda. Egede urged calm amidst concerns over Trump’s remarks, stating, “It is important to remain calm.”
Frederiksen echoed a similar sentiment, noting on Instagram that Europe must “navigate a new reality” under Trump’s presidency.