Greenland could gain independence, but Denmark states it won’t become a U.S. state

Greenland has the potential to achieve independence if its inhabitants desire it, but it will not transition into a U.S. state, stated Denmark‘s foreign minister on Wednesday. This comment followed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion that he would not dismiss the possibility of using force to assert control over the Arctic territory.

On the same day, Greenland’s leader engaged in discussions with the Danish king in Copenhagen, just a day after Trump’s statements brought significant attention to the future of the Danish-administered island.

Trump, who is set to assume office on January 20, indicated on Tuesday that he would not exclude military or economic measures to incorporate Greenland into the United States. Coinciding with this, his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., made a private visit to the island.

Greenland, recognized as the largest island globally, has been under Danish rule for 600 years, although its population of 57,000 currently manages its own internal affairs. The local government, led by Prime Minister Mute Egede, aspires for eventual independence.

“We fully acknowledge Greenland’s aspirations. Should they come to fruition, Greenland will achieve independence, but it is unlikely to seek status as a federal state within the United States,” remarked Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. He also noted that the United States’ increased security concerns in the Arctic are justified due to rising activities from Russia and China in the area.

I do not believe we are facing a crisis in foreign policy, he stated. We are willing to engage in discussions with the Americans regarding potential avenues for closer cooperation to ensure that their objectives are met.

Nevertheless, while Denmark has downplayed the severity of Trump’s territorial threats, the incoming president’s openly expressed desire to extend U.S. borders has unsettled European allies just weeks before he assumes office.

France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, asserted that Europe would not permit any nation to infringe upon its sovereign borders, although he did not foresee a U.S. invasion. A spokesperson for the German government reiterated that borders should not be altered through force. Additionally, a representative from the European Commission emphasized the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of EU member states.

TENSIONS IN RELATIONS

Recent tensions have emerged between Greenland and Denmark due to accusations of historical mistreatment of Greenlanders. Egede has firmly stated that the island is not for sale, and in his New Year address, he intensified his call for independence. Denmark maintains that the future of the territory should be determined solely by the Greenlandic people.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen remarked on Tuesday that she could not envision Trump’s ambitions resulting in U.S. military action in Greenland. Denmark’s military presence in the region is limited to four inspection vessels, a Challenger surveillance aircraft, and dog sled patrols.

In response to Trump’s tariff threats against Denmark, Frederiksen expressed her belief that a trade war with the United States would not be a constructive path forward. Denmark is home to Novo Nordisk, the most valuable company in Europe, known for its weight-loss drug Wegovy, which has gained significant popularity in the United States.

The Danish royal palace has not provided any information prior to King Frederik’s meeting in Copenhagen on Wednesday with Greenland’s Prime Minister Egede. While a significant number of Greenlanders aspire for independence from Denmark, the king enjoys considerable popularity on the island, having spent substantial time there, including a four-month journey across the ice sheet. Recently, the royal court updated its coat of arms, increasing the size of a polar bear that represents Greenland.

Damien Degeorges, a consultant based in Reykjavik with expertise in Greenland, stated to Reuters, “I believe the king is uniquely positioned in Denmark to address this matter at present due to his extensive history with Greenland. His popularity there suggests he can play a significant role in strengthening the Danish-Greenlandic relationship.”

During his first term, Trump brought up the idea of the U.S. acquiring Greenland, and his recent comments have left many in Denmark perplexed. “I find it extremely ridiculous,” remarked Jeppe Finne Sorenson, a data engineer in the Danish capital. “We have an alliance; we are allies. This perspective does not honor that.”