Greenland's Prime Minister, Múte Egede, firmly dismissed President-elect Donald Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland, asserting the island's desire to remain Greenlanders, not Americans or simply Danes. During an interview on "Special Report," Egede underscored Greenland's commitment to its existing alliances and partnerships, particularly with the United States.
"Our identity is rooted in being Greenlanders," Egede stated. "Our ties to NATO and our close relationship with the U.S. remain unwavering. We've built strong connections over the past eight decades, and we see a future rich in collaborative opportunities. However, let me be clear: We are not seeking American citizenship. We aspire to a strong partnership with the U.S., not absorption into it."
Trump's earlier statements at a Mar-a-Lago press conference, where he suggested potential military or economic pressure to acquire Greenland or the Panama Canal, sparked concern and raised questions about his approach to international relations.
Trump justified his interest by citing economic security and Greenland's strategic importance to U.S. national security.
Fox News correspondent Alex Hogan's trip to Nuuk, Greenland, revealed a general sentiment among residents against Trump's proposal. One resident expressed a preference for remaining aligned with Denmark rather than the U.S.
Another resident noted a decline in the U.S.'s image, suggesting that previous goodwill had diminished.
However, long-time Trump supporter Jørgen Boassen highlighted Greenland's strategic position as both a gateway to the U.S. and a potential vulnerability to rivals like Russia and China.
When asked about Greenland's potential independence from Denmark, Egede emphasized that such a decision rests solely with the Greenlanders. He reiterated that even with independence, Greenland would maintain its commitment to Western alliances and its strong partnership with the U.S., recognizing the interconnectedness of their security interests.
Egede highlighted Greenland's rich mineral resources, including zinc, gold, and uranium, and called for stronger partnerships with the U.S. and the EU to diversify Greenland's economy and attract investment.
He invited U.S. investment in Greenland's mineral sector, noting the absence of Chinese companies currently operating in the territory.
