Greenland's Prime Minister responds to Trump's ambitions: Annexation threats are unacceptable
In a notable diplomatic escalation, Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, launched a scathing and strongly worded attack on US President Donald Trump in response to the latter's renewed statements regarding the United States' desire to annex the Arctic island for reasons related to national security.
“Enough is enough,” Nielsen said in response to the repeated threats. “The current and repeated rhetoric from the United States is completely unacceptable.” He added decisively, “When the US president talks about needing Greenland and links us to Venezuela and military intervention, it is not only wrong, but also a blatant disrespect for our sovereignty and our people.”.
Historical Background of American Ambitions:
This is not the first time Washington has expressed interest in buying or annexing the world's largest island. In 2019, Trump sparked a diplomatic crisis with Denmark when he suggested purchasing the island, a proposal the Danish prime minister at the time described as "a ludicrous idea." American desire to control Greenland dates back to the mid-20th century, when President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold in 1946 to buy the island, given its vital geopolitical location.
's strategic importance
is paramount for the United States and NATO, particularly as Arctic ice melts open new shipping lanes and facilitate access to natural resources. The island hosts Thule Air Base, a cornerstone of the US missile early warning system, and plays a pivotal role in space surveillance and military operations in the Arctic, especially given the growing competition with Russia and China in the region.
Sovereignty and mutual respect
were emphasized by Nielsen, who stressed that his country, despite recognizing its strategic location and NATO membership, refuses to be treated as a commodity. He stated, “Our country is not merely a tool in the rhetoric of great powers. We are a people, a democratic nation. This must be respected—especially by our closest and most loyal friends.” He affirmed, “Enough! No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more annexation fantasies.”
The Prime Minister concluded his remarks by emphasizing his openness to dialogue, but on the condition that it takes place through official diplomatic channels and not through social media platforms, stressing that “Greenland is our home and our land, and will remain so.”.
For his part, Trump had told reporters on the presidential plane that the United States needs Greenland from a national security standpoint, claiming that Denmark would not be able to bear the burden of protecting it, a claim that Copenhagen and Nuuk (the capital of Greenland) reject outright.
