U.S. President Questions Denmark’s Historical Claim to Greenland

Washington, D.C. — During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday, President Donald Trump expressed confidence that the United States would annex Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Trump described Greenland as essential for U.S. national security and suggested NATO could play a role in facilitating the acquisition. “I think it will happen,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, underscoring his belief that the Arctic island is crucial for international security.

Trump also questioned Denmark’s historical claim to Greenland, stating, “Denmark is very far away from Greenland… A boat landed there 200 years ago or something. They say they have rights to it—I don’t know if that’s true.” He added that the United States already has a military presence on the island and hinted at increasing troop deployments.

NATO Secretary General Distances Himself

Mark Rutte responded cautiously to Trump’s remarks, emphasizing that discussions about Greenland were outside NATO’s purview. While acknowledging the strategic importance of the Arctic region amid growing Chinese and Russian influence, Rutte made clear he did not want NATO involved in Trump’s annexation plans.

Greenland and Denmark Push Back

Greenland’s leaders swiftly rejected Trump’s statements. On Friday, all five political parties in Greenland’s parliament issued a rare joint declaration condemning Trump’s comments as “unacceptable.” The statement emphasized that Greenland belongs to its people and reaffirmed their commitment to self-determination.

Outgoing Prime Minister Múte Egede described Trump’s approach as “completely unacceptable,” while Jens Frederik Nielsen, leader of the pro-business Demokraatit party that recently won Greenland’s parliamentary elections, echoed similar sentiments. Nielsen called for unity among Greenlandic leaders to resist external pressure.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also dismissed Trump’s remarks, reiterating that Greenland is not for sale and emphasizing Denmark’s commitment to respecting Greenlanders’ autonomy.

Political Context in Greenland

Greenland recently held parliamentary elections, with the center-right Demokraatit party emerging victorious over Egede’s Inuit Ataqatigiit party. The Demokraatit party advocates for gradual independence from Denmark but has no intention of aligning with Washington. Despite political shifts within Greenland, all major parties remain unified in opposing U.S. annexation.

Greenland has a population of approximately 56,000 and operates as a self-governing territory under Denmark’s kingdom. While Denmark retains authority over foreign and defense policy, Greenland achieved home rule in 1979 and gained further autonomy in 2009, including the right to hold referendums on independence.

Strategic Importance of Greenland

As climate change opens new shipping routes in the Arctic and reveals extensive mineral resources, Greenland has gained global strategic significance. The U.S. already maintains a military base at Thule Air Base on the island, which plays a critical role in missile defense systems and Arctic surveillance.

Trump has repeatedly cited national security concerns as justification for acquiring Greenland, claiming it is vital to counter threats from Russia and China. However, his rhetoric has sparked widespread criticism both internationally and within Greenland itself.

Public Reaction and Protests

Trump’s remarks have fueled protests across Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, where hundreds gathered outside the U.S. consulate to oppose his annexation plans. Protesters carried signs demanding respect for Greenlandic sovereignty and rejecting external interference.

A January poll revealed that 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States—a sentiment echoed by political leaders across party lines.

Trump’s renewed push for annexing Greenland has heightened tensions between Washington, Copenhagen, and Nuuk while drawing criticism from NATO allies wary of escalating geopolitical disputes in the Arctic region. As Greenland continues its path toward greater independence from Denmark, its leaders remain steadfast in rejecting any attempts at U.S. control.

#GreenlandSovereignty #TrumpAnnexation #ArcticPolitics
#NATO #InternationalSecurity #GreenlandIndependence

Tags: Donald Trump, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Annexation Plans, Greenland Politics, Danish Sovereignty, Arctic Strategy