Greenland PM Sends Strong Message to Trump: “We Choose Denmark, Not the U.S.”

COPENHAGEN: Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen has delivered a firm rebuttal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated attempts to assert control over the Arctic territory. Speaking at a joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Nielsen stated that if Greenlanders were asked to choose today, they would side with Denmark, not the United States.

The statement is the strongest pushback yet from Greenland’s leadership against Trump’s controversial plans. The U.S. president has cited Greenland as a “national security risk” and suggested buying the island, without ruling out the use of military force.

Denmark Stands Firm

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, which itself is a member of the U.S.-led NATO alliance. At the press conference, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described any U.S. attempt to pressure Greenland as completely unacceptable, warning that military action against the island could jeopardize NATO itself.

Nielsen’s Clear Message to America

Prime Minister Nielsen emphasized, “Let it be clear to everyone: Greenland does not want to be under American control. Greenland does not wish to be governed by the U.S. Greenland does not want to become part of America.” The press briefing in Copenhagen came just a day before Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeld and Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen were scheduled to travel to the U.S.

Trump Reacts

When asked about Greenland’s remarks, Trump dismissed the criticism, saying, “That’s their problem. I disagree with them. It’s going to be a big problem for them.” Last week, Trump argued that the U.S. must control Greenland to protect against Russia and China, claiming that without American ownership, the two powers could seize the island.

While U.S. military forces are already present in Greenland, existing agreements with Denmark allow the U.S. to station as many troops as desired. Trump, however, has insisted that these arrangements are insufficient and argued that the U.S. must gain ownership rights over Greenland, a point he says NATO must recognize.