Greenland responds to Trump: Our sovereignty is not for sale
In a firm and direct response to the repeated statements of US President Donald Trump, Greenland officials confirmed that fateful decisions regarding the future of the Arctic island are made only within the decision-making corridors in the capital, Nuuk, stressing that the territory is not up for sale or political bargaining.
This official stance was expressed by Jens Fredrik Nielsen, who wrote a clear message on his Facebook page: "Greenland is our country. Our decisions are made here." Nielsen expressed his deep regret and sadness at hearing the US president reiterate his desire to control the island, considering this proposal to reduce the history and people of Greenland to a mere real estate deal or a security outpost, something the island's inhabitants categorically reject.
Strategic importance and international conflict
Trump's statements linking the United States' need for Greenland to "national security" imperatives and countering the growing influence of both China and Russia highlight the increasing geopolitical importance of the Arctic. With melting ice and the opening of new shipping lanes, Greenland has become a focal point for major powers, not only for its strategic military location, which includes the US Thule Air Base, but also for its natural resources and rare minerals essential to modern technology industries.
A history of American attempts
It is worth noting that Washington's interest in annexing Greenland is not a recent development, nor is it limited to the Trump era alone, although he was the most explicit in expressing it in terms of "deals." The United States had previously offered to purchase the island in 1946 during the presidency of Harry Truman, given its vital location as a forward defense line. However, Trump's repeated promotion of this idea, and his portrayal of it as an imperative for American security, has provoked the ire of the Danes and the people of Greenland, who have enjoyed broad self-governance since 2009, granting them control over their resources and internal affairs.
Broad European solidarity
In the context of international reactions, Greenland was not alone in confronting these statements. Nielsen praised the Greenlandic people's response, describing it as "calm and dignified," and expressed his gratitude for the significant international support. Among the most prominent supporters was French President Emmanuel Macron, who, speaking on the X platform, affirmed that Greenland "belongs to its people" and that Denmark is the guarantor of its sovereignty. He added his voice to those of other European nations rejecting the logic of territorial acquisition in the 21st century, and reaffirming the principles of sovereignty and the right of peoples to self-determination.
