Greenland elections: PM critical of ‘disrespectful’ Trump

As Greenland prepares for a crucial election on March 11, Prime Minister Múte B. Egede has strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his renewed interest in acquiring the Arctic territory, calling his behavior “disrespectful” and “unpredictable.”

In an interview with Danish broadcaster DR, Egede made it clear that Greenland is not for sale and condemned Trump’s repeated assertions that the U.S. should control the island.

“We deserve to be treated with respect, and I don’t think the American president has done that since taking office,” Egede said.

Trump’s Greenland remarks spark backlash

Trump recently reiterated his desire for the U.S. to gain control over Greenland in a televised speech to Congress. His comments were met with laughter from Republican lawmakers, a reaction that many Greenlanders perceived as mockery. Egede sees these remarks as part of a broader challenge to the international order.

“The world order is faltering on many fronts, and perhaps there is a U.S. president who is very unpredictable in a way that makes people feel unsafe,” he said.

Trump’s stance has also had diplomatic consequences, with Egede now questioning the future of Greenland’s relationship with the U.S.

“I think that the recent actions of the American president make it clear that we do not want to be as close to the U.S. as we perhaps did before,” he said.

Election centered on independence

Greenland’s upcoming election is widely seen as pivotal in shaping the island’s future, particularly regarding its path toward independence from Denmark. While all major political parties—except the conservative Atassut—support eventual independence, they differ on the timeline and strategy.

Egede, leader of the left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) party, is pushing for a measured and economically sustainable approach to sovereignty. He has called for the formation of a broad coalition government to navigate the challenges Greenland faces, including geopolitical tensions and economic development.

“With everything happening in the world, we need a broad, robust government that represents as many people as possible,” Egede said.

One of the election’s most divisive issues is whether Greenland should move closer to the U.S. Only one party, Naleraq, supports a swift referendum on independence and potentially forging closer ties with Washington. However, Egede has dismissed this idea, stating that Greenland should instead strengthen relationships with nations that respect its sovereignty.

“We need to draw a line in the sand and focus more on the countries that show us respect for the future we want to create,” he said.

A long road ahead for independence

Despite strong pro-independence sentiment, the road to full sovereignty remains uncertain. Greenland’s economy is heavily reliant on fishing and annual subsidies from Denmark. Egede has emphasized the need for economic diversification, particularly in tourism and mining, before Greenland can sustain itself independently.

“I always say that we must work each day to get one step closer to it. I won’t set a year, but given what’s happening right now, I believe the parties are obligated to come together and create a robust plan for our shared vision,” he said.

A key part of that vision may include securing Greenland’s defense through an alliance with Western nations. Egede suggested that a modernized version of the current union with Denmark and the Faroe Islands could be one possible solution.

“I won’t rule anything out, but it will be within the Western alliance. There are security and defense considerations where we must align with other countries we are already allied with,” he said.

Election outcome crucial for Greenland’s future

As Greenlanders head to the polls, the outcome of this election will play a decisive role in determining the country’s stance on independence, its international alliances, and its relationship with the United States.

Egede’s strong condemnation of Trump marks a turning point, signaling that Greenland’s leadership is distancing itself from Washington’s ambitions. Whether voters share this view—and whether they support Egede’s call for a broad coalition government—will become clear as polls close tomorrow.