Greenland's Leader Says of Joining US: 'We Do Not Want to Be American'

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Greenland's prime minister, Múte B. Egede, on Friday said the Arctic territory's residents have no desire to become part of the United States, saying "we do not want to be American."

Egede said he understands President-elect Donald Trump's interest in Greenland and added the territory is open to enhancing its cooperation with Washington.

Why It Matters

Trump has previously suggested that the U.S. should buy Greenland, an autonomous territory that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a NATO country and member of the EU.

Greenland has access to the Arctic, where international competition has arisen in recent years as nations race to claim northern territory in hopes of accessing natural resources abundant in the region, including gold, silver, copper and uranium.

The president-elect's son Donald Trump Jr. also recently traveled to Greenland amid his father's recent remarks about the region.

What To Know

Egede responded on Friday to Trump's recent remarks about possibly using force or economic leverage to bring Greenland under U.S. control. Trump framed the move as a matter of national security.

Meanwhile, Egede has advocated for Greenland's independence, criticizing Denmark as a colonial power with a history of mistreatment toward the island's Indigenous Inuit population.

Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland has raised concerns in Denmark and across Europe. As a key U.S. ally and leading member of NATO, the 27-nation European Union was unsettled by the notion that an incoming American leader might entertain the idea of using force against an allied territory.

Egede comments came during news conference alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen. The conference had been scheduled in advance and was unrelated to Trump's recent statements.

Greenland

With a population of just 57,000, Greenland boasts vast natural resources, including oil, gas and rare earth elements—resources expected to become more accessible as climate change accelerates ice melt. Strategically located in the Arctic, the territory has drawn international interest as Russia, China and other nations look to increase their presence in the region.

Greenland, the world's largest island, is an autonomous territory under Denmark's rule, though it is geographically closer to North America than Europe. While Denmark oversees Greenland's foreign affairs and defense, the United States shares defense responsibilities under a 1951 treaty and maintains an air force base on the island.

What People Are Saying

Egede said during Friday's press conference that Greenland is "a place that the Americans see as part of their world," and he said he would be open to speaking with Trump.

"Cooperation is about dialogue. Cooperation means that you will work towards solutions," Egede said.

He added, "Greenland is for the Greenlandic people. We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic."

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said during the press conference: "The debate on Greenlandic independence and the latest announcements from the U.S. show us the large interest in Greenland...Events which set in motion a lot of thoughts and feelings with many in Greenland and Denmark."

What's Next

As Trump prepares to take office, his Greenland ambitions could face significant hurdles. Both Greenlandic and Danish officials have dismissed the idea of a sale, and public sentiment on the island appears opposed to U.S. acquisition.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.

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