On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his threats against Greenland, warning that if Washington does not act, Russia or China could occupy the island in the future. The president reiterated that his government seeks to bring the territory under U.S. control, even without ruling out the use of force.
«We’re going to do something with Greenland, whether they like it or not, because if we don’t, Russia or China will take it over, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as neighbors», Trump told reporters at the White House.
Trump does not rule out military intervention in Greenland
The American president stated that his first option is to reach a peaceful agreement to acquire the territory, but he issued a direct warning:
«I’d like to reach an agreement amicably, but if we can’t do it the easy way, we’ll do it the hard way».
White House officials have acknowledged that various options are being considered to bring Greenland under U.S. control, amid renewed strategic interest in the island, which is currently an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty.
Greenland responds: «We don’t want to be Americans»
The leaders of all political parties in Greenland, including the opposition, issued a joint statement categorically rejecting Trump’s remarks:
«We don’t want to be Americans, we don’t want to be Danish, we want to be Greenlanders. The future of Greenland must be decided by the people of Greenland».
Residents of Nuuk, the capital, also expressed their rejection. Simon Kjeldskov told Reuters: «No, thank you. It is absolutely certain that we do not want that».
Another resident, Juno Michaelsen, added: «No matter the amount, we’ll say no.» It belongs to us and to us alone».
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Denmark and Europe warn of serious consequences
The governments of Greenland and Denmark reiterated that the territory is not for sale, either thru diplomatic or economic means. Furthermore, concern is growing within NATO, as any potential U.S. military action against Greenland could fracture the alliance.
In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, and Spain affirmed that Greenland belongs to its own people, and warned that any attempt at forced appropriation would have serious consequences for international stability.
Will the United States pay Greenland?
When asked about reports indicating that the United States might offer direct payments to Greenlanders to persuade them to join the country, Trump avoided giving details:
«I’m not talking about money for Greenland yet».
However, both the authorities and local citizens have made it clear that money won’t change their stance.
Diplomatic meetings and political response
The Danish ambassador to the United States, Jesper Møller Sørensen, and the head of Greenland’s representation in Washington, Jacob Isbosethsen, held meetings with Trump’s advisors, according to CNN reports.
For his part, Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, along with other political leaders, announced that the meeting of the Greenlandic Parliament (Inatsisartut) would be brought forward to define an official response to the threats from the U.S. government.
