Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen declined to comment on former U.S. President Donald Trump's past interest in annexing Greenland when questioned by a reporter in Copenhagen, Denmark, on January 13, 2026. The exchange occurred after Nielsen concluded a photo opportunity inside the Danish parliament building.

The reporter's question referenced Trump's remarks made several years prior, during his time in office, regarding the possibility of the United States purchasing Greenland. These remarks, initially reported in August 2019, sparked controversy and were widely interpreted as a serious expression of interest in acquiring the autonomous Danish territory. At the time, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the idea "absurd."

Nielsen's visit to Copenhagen took place amid ongoing discussions between Greenland and Denmark regarding economic cooperation and Greenland's pursuit of greater autonomy. Greenland, while part of the Kingdom of Denmark, possesses significant self-government, managing its own domestic affairs, including natural resources and internal policies. Foreign policy and defense remain the responsibility of Denmark.

The Prime Minister's office has not released an official statement regarding the reason for avoiding the question. Some political analysts suggest Nielsen's silence reflects a desire to maintain a neutral stance on U.S. politics, particularly given the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Others speculate it could be linked to ongoing negotiations with Denmark, where Greenland may be seeking increased financial support or greater control over its natural resources.

The incident highlights the complex relationship between Greenland, Denmark, and the United States. While the prospect of a U.S. acquisition of Greenland appears unlikely, the issue continues to resonate within Greenlandic and Danish political discourse. Future developments will likely depend on the outcome of Greenland's internal political debates regarding its relationship with Denmark, as well as the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Arctic region.