Nuuk: Greenland’s newly elected Prime Minister, Jens Frederik Nielsen, has strongly dismissed any notion of the United States acquiring the Arctic island, following recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a social media post on Sunday, Nielsen responded to Trump’s claims, stating, “President Trump says that the United States ‘will get Greenland.’ Let me be clear: The United States will not get it. We do not belong to anyone else. We decide our own future.”
Trump, in a Saturday interview with NBC News, reiterated his desire for the U.S. to take control of Greenland, expressing confidence that it could be done “100%” and hinting that military force might not be necessary. “I don’t take anything off the table,” he added.
Nielsen, 33, took office just days ago after leading his center-right Demokraatit party to victory in early March elections. A strong advocate for Greenland’s gradual independence from Denmark, Nielsen has emphasized economic self-sufficiency as the path forward.
His swearing-in coincided with a visit from a high-ranking U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance. While touring the Pituffik U.S. Space Force base in Greenland, Vance criticized Denmark for inadequate investment in the island’s development and security. “You have underinvested in the people of Greenland and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass,” he said.
His remarks drew a sharp response from Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who defended his country’s policies and objected to the manner in which the criticism was delivered. “We are open to criticisms, but let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which it’s being delivered,” Rasmussen stated.
He emphasized Denmark’s continued alliance with the U.S. but cautioned that respectful dialogue is essential. “This is not how you speak to your close allies, and I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies,” he said.
