Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has responded to Donald Trump’s intentions to ‘own’ the territory.
In a previous speech to Congress, Trump addressed the ‘incredible people of Greenland’ with a mixed message.
Despite stating that the US ‘strongly supports’ Greenland’s ‘right to determine’ its ‘own future,’ the former US President asserted that, ‘one way or the other,’ the US intended to acquire Greenland.
Recently, Trump reiterated his invitation to Greenland, prompting a response from the island.
He had previously mentioned the importance of Greenland for ‘national security and even international security’ in the US.
While traveling on Air Force One, Trump commented, “If we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor.”
The White House has floated the idea of purchasing Greenland, with Trump referring to it as a ‘real estate deal’ back in 2019, but there’s also consideration of using force to annex it.
Prime Minister Nielsen addressed this issue during a joint press conference with Denmark’s prime minister.
Highlighting the geopolitical tensions, Nielsen stated, “If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark.”
He made it ‘clear to everyone,’ that “Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed by the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States.”
Trump was quick to respond to Nielsen, expressing his disagreement with the stance.
Reflecting on Nielsen’s remarks, Trump was quoted by the BBC saying, “That’s their problem, I disagree with him… That’s going to be a big problem for him.”
This situation could also pose an issue for Trump if the US attempts to seize Greenland by force, as NATO members have previously cautioned against such an action.
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, criticized the ‘completely unacceptable pressure from [its] closet ally’.
Trump later made a typical assertive remark: “If it affects NATO, then it affects NATO. But, you know, they need us much more than we need them, I will tell you that right now.”
He added, “Greenland should make the deal because Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over. Greenland, basically their defense is two dogsleds.”