Greenland PM firmly rejects Trump: ‘Greenland cannot be bought’

In an unusually high profile press conference for the Greenlandic capital Nuuk, Prime Minister Múte B. Egede firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed claims of wanting to acquire Greenland, reaffirming the Arctic nation’s right to self-determination. Egede made it clear in front of the world press that Greenland’s future lies in the hands of its people, not foreign powers.

“We are Greenlanders. We are not Americans or Danes,” Egede said. “I want to make it very clear that the Greenlandic people will decide their own future. We do not want to be Danes, and we do not want to be Americans. Greenland cannot be bought.”

Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s Minister for Independence and Foreign Affairs, echoed Egede’s sentiments and urged calm during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.

“We are part of NATO. Diplomacy is a critical step here. We need to stand together to strengthen Greenland and work in peace and cooperation,” she said.

Motzfeldt stressed the importance of informing Greenlanders about the situation while maintaining open communication with allies and partners.

Egede acknowledged the challenges Greenland faces amid global political pressures. He highlighted Greenland’s ongoing partnerships with various countries, including Denmark and the United States and that his administration was working through multiple channels to facilitate these conversations.

Addressing Trump’s comments that Greenland is “necessary for the U.S.” and that Denmark would eventually comply, Egede reiterated that Greenland’s future would not be dictated by outside powers.

“It is our country and our people who will decide what happens. Other countries cannot dictate our actions,” he asserted.

Egede also noted Greenland’s longstanding security cooperation with the United States, referencing the U.S. military base in Greenland, but he underscored that such arrangements do not compromise Greenland’s sovereignty.

The prime minister acknowledged the growing concerns among Greenland’s population, who feel caught in the middle of a geopolitical power struggle.

“I understand the worry. This is a time for unity and collaboration, both among Greenlandic political parties and with our international partners,” Egede said.

Egede spoke up Greenland’s eventual aspiration for independence, while stressing that it does not mean cutting all ties with Denmark.

“We want independence. That does not mean severing connections, but rather cooperating on an equal footing,” he explained.

Egede announced plans to further engage with international leaders and clarify Greenland’s position. Efforts are underway to arrange meetings where Greenland’s stance can be communicated effectively, ensuring that the voices of its people are heard on the global stage.

Following the press conference, Egede told local newspaper Sermitsiaq that he would be meeting with American representatives “in the coming days”.