Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has reaffirmed the island’s commitment to self-determination, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments about potentially 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 stated during a press conference on Tuesday, emphasizing that the island’s future lies in the hands of its people.
Egede’s remarks were in response to Trump’s statement on January 20, where he described Greenland as “a wonderful place” with strategic significance for global security. Trump suggested that Denmark might be willing to part with Greenland, citing the financial burden of maintaining the territory. “I’m sure that Denmark will come along — it’s costing them a lot of money to maintain it,” Trump said.
While acknowledging the growing geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, Egede emphasized Greenland’s openness to discussions with Washington to protect U.S. interests in the region. He pointed to the longstanding U.S.-Greenland security cooperation, including the U.S. military base in Greenland’s northwest, as evidence of the ongoing partnership.
“The world’s largest island has cooperated with the U.S. on security issues for more than 80 years,” Egede said, while asserting Greenland’s right to determine its own future and control its resources.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen also criticized Trump’s comments, arguing that a world order where powerful nations can simply claim what they want is unacceptable.
Greenland, rich in untapped mineral and oil resources, has gained increasing geopolitical importance as Arctic ice melts and new shipping routes open. However, its economy remains heavily reliant on fishing and subsidies from Denmark, which make up 20 percent of its GDP.
Despite its autonomy, Greenland’s judicial affairs, foreign policy, and defense are still controlled by Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen recently underscored the importance of Denmark’s alliance with the U.S., calling it the country’s most significant partnership since World War II.
Greenland is set to hold elections before April 6, with independence likely to be a central issue. Egede urged calm in response to Trump’s remarks, stating, “It is important to remain calm.”
Frederiksen echoed this sentiment on Instagram, noting that Europe must “navigate a new reality” under Trump’s leadership.
