Greenland’s new prime minister has brutally hit back at Donald Trump over the US president’s shock goal to take over the territory. Since taking over at the White House in January, the Republican commander-in-chief has repeatedly signalled his intention to “acquire” Greenland.
At first, Mr Trump seemed to suggest that the US would buy the land from its current owner, Denmark, claiming it was needed “for national security and international security”. However, he has since hinted at the use of force – even though that would breach Article 5 of NATO, which states that an attack on one member nation is an assault on all within the alliance. Mr Trump’s sudden declaration of intent to take over Greenland led to Jens-Frederik Nielsen winning a surprise election victory in March, as he pledged for the Arctic country to “stand together” in the face of the new threat.
In a visit to Copenhagen on Sunday, Mr Nielsen reinforced the need to stand up to America’s “disrespect”.
Speaking alongside Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen in a show of unity between the two leaders, Mr Nielsen said in a tough 15-word putdown: “We will never, ever be a piece of property that can be bought by anyone.”
Mr Nielsen is due to return to Greenland on Monday with Denmark’s King Frederik, in a further symbolic gesture of unity as the monarch begins his four-day royal visit to the island.
On a recent trip to Greenland, US vice-president JD Vance claimed Denmark had “not done a good job by the people of Greenland”, accusing it of underinvesting in the country.
While avoiding any reference to military options, he said of the Arctic island: “I think they will ultimately partner with the United States.”
Most polls show that people in the country want to become independent, with Mr Nielsen’s party favouring a gradual approach.
However, the same polls show that Greenlanders do not want to become part of the US.
