Greenland’s Prime Minister didn’t mince his words ahead of high-stakes talks at the White House - firmly rejecting any possibility of the Arctic island becoming American territory.
With U.S. President Donald Trump pushing a controversial narrative about acquiring Greenland, the autonomous region has made its stance crystal clear.
“Greenland Does Not Want to Be Owned by the United States”
As Washington prepares to host a tense meeting on Greenland’s future, Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen delivered a powerful message: “We are now facing a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark,” per the Daily Mail.
In a direct rebuke to Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. would claim the territory “one way or the other,” Nielsen emphasized Greenland’s sovereignty: “One thing must be clear to everyone: Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States.
"Greenland does not want to be governed by the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States.”
Diplomatic Showdown at the White House
Today’s meeting in Washington includes Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, who will face U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The goal is to clear the air on a number of thorny issues - from defense cooperation to growing geopolitical tensions in the Arctic. In Greenland’s capital Nuuk, the mood is firm: residents insist the island is not for sale.
“Completely Unacceptable Pressure” From the U.S.
Standing beside Nielsen, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen didn't hold back her frustration over U.S. tactics.
“However, there are many indications that the most challenging part is ahead of us,” she warned, referencing what she described as “completely unacceptable pressure from our closest ally.”
Vice President JD Vance may have added fuel to the fire with an unexpected visit to Greenland in March. During the trip, he accused Denmark of falling short on Arctic defense, labeling the country a “bad ally” - a remark that infuriated Copenhagen.
Despite Denmark’s longstanding support of U.S. military operations, including sending troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. appears unconvinced of its commitment to Greenland.
“Greenland Was Never on Its Way Out the Door”
Greenland’s political ties with Denmark have raised eyebrows in the U.S., especially as the island explores independence. But experts caution against jumping to conclusions.
“To the uninformed American listener, the ongoing (independence) talks between Denmark and Greenland might have been construed as if Greenland’s secession from Denmark was imminent,” said Greenland expert Mikaela Engell.
“I can understand that, in this situation, it would be better for the Americans to take hold of that strategic place,” she added - but made it clear: “This discussion has been going on for years and years and it has never meant that Greenland was on its way out the door.”
Arctic Defense Front and Center
The U.S. has criticized Denmark for not doing enough to shield Greenland from Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, where military presence is becoming more strategic. Analysts, however, note that China’s role in the region remains minimal.
Greenland, which sits along the shortest missile route between Russia and the U.S., plays a critical role in America’s anti-missile shield.