Nuuk: Outgoing Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede has urged local politicians to take a firmer stand against US President Donald Trump’s renewed calls to annex the island, declaring that “enough is enough.”
In a Facebook post, Egede strongly criticized Trump’s remarks, stating, “This time, we must strengthen our rejection. People cannot keep disrespecting us.” His response came after Trump reiterated on Thursday his long-standing interest in acquiring the autonomous Danish territory.
Egede, who remains in office while Greenland forms a new government following recent elections, announced plans to convene a meeting with party leaders to discuss the issue.
Trump, speaking at the White House alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, insisted that Greenland was essential for “international security” due to increasing activity in Arctic waters by rival nations. “I think it will happen,” Trump said of Greenland becoming part of the US.
While Rutte distanced NATO from the discussion, noting it was a matter for nations in the region, Trump persisted, claiming Denmark was unwilling to engage in talks and hinting at an increased US military presence on the island.
Trump previously floated the idea of buying Greenland during his first term in office (2017-2021), but Denmark and Greenland outright dismissed the proposal. On Thursday, he further questioned Denmark’s sovereignty over the island, suggesting its historical claim was weak.
Danish lawmaker Rasmus Jarlov condemned Trump’s remarks and criticized Rutte for not taking a firmer stance, warning that any attempt to take Greenland by force would result in conflict between NATO allies.
Although many Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, polls indicate they overwhelmingly reject US annexation. Greenland’s location and natural resources make it strategically valuable to Washington, particularly for its missile defense system and military operations in the Arctic.
