President Donald Trump reiterated his interest in the United States acquiring Greenland, citing national security interests, after Denmark's Prime Minister urged him to cease making threats regarding the island. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated, "we need Greenland from the standpoint of national security," reviving a proposal he has made repeatedly.
The proposition of the semi-autonomous Danish territory becoming part of the U.S. has been met with resistance from Greenlandic and Danish leaders. Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens Frederik Nielsen, responded to Trump's comments by saying "that's enough now" and characterized the idea of U.S. control as a "fantasy." Nielsen emphasized the need for respectful dialogue through proper channels and adherence to international law. "No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation," he stated. "We are open to dialogue. We are open to discussions. But this must happen through the proper channels and with respect for international law."
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen asserted that "the US has no right to annex any of the three nations in the Danish kingdom." She also noted that Denmark, and by extension Greenland, is a member of NATO.
Trump's interest in Greenland stems from its strategic location and potential mineral wealth. The island's geographical position holds significance for defense purposes, particularly in the Arctic region.
The notion of the U.S. purchasing Greenland is not new. The U.S. government considered buying the island in 1867 and again after World War II. In August 2019, Trump's interest in buying Greenland was publicly revealed, prompting strong reactions from Danish officials who asserted that Greenland was not for sale.
Protests against the prospect of annexation occurred outside the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, in March, reflecting local sentiment against the potential transfer of sovereignty. The current status of any potential negotiations or discussions remains unclear, but Greenlandic leaders have insisted on respectful dialogue within the bounds of international law.
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