Outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede of Greenland calls for politicians to firmly reject US President Donald Trump’s desire to annex the strategically significant island, warning that Greenland’s disrespect must cease.
Expressing his dismay on Facebook following Trump’s reiteration on Thursday of his intention to annex Greenland, Egede stated, “The American president has once again raised the idea of annexing us. I categorically reject that notion.”
“Therefore, I have requested the administration to convene the party leaders as soon as possible,” said Egede, who continues to lead Greenland in the interim, awaiting the formation of a new government following his party’s loss in the recent elections.
While at the White House with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump reaffirmed his interest in annexing Greenland – an island with a population of 57,000 – stating, “I think it will happen.”
“We need it for national security, international security,” Trump declared to Rutte, emphasizing the strategic importance of Greenland for both military and diplomatic reasons.
Rutte responded by suggesting that Greenland’s future should be left to other nations to decide, stating that he did not want to involve NATO in the discussion. The NATO chief added that issues concerning Greenland should be discussed by countries in the “high north,” in light of increased Chinese and Russian activity in the Arctic region.
However, Trump continued to pressure the annexation, suggesting that Denmark’s objections to discussing Greenland are unwarranted, and he hinted that he might send additional US troops to Greenland to reinforce existing military installations.
During his previous term as US president from 2017-2021, Trump had discussed the possibility of purchasing Greenland — an idea that was swiftly dismissed by Denmark and Greenland alike.
“We must handle this,” Trump insisted. “We truly require it for national security; that’s why NATO might have to step in, because we genuinely need Greenland for national security. It is of the utmost importance.”
There was no immediate response from NATO or Denmark’s embassy in Washington when asked for their comments on the matter.
Among the reactions, Danish politician Rasmus Jarlov expressed disapproval of NATO Secretary-General Jansen’s comments, stating that Denmark and Greenland do not appreciate NATO’s joking about Greenland with Trump, which could potentially lead to conflict between NATO countries.
“Greenland has just voted against immediate independence from Denmark and does not want to be American,” Jarlov stated.
We do not appreciate the Secr. Gen. of NATO joking with Trump about Greenland like this. It would mean war between two NATO countries. Greenland has just voted against immediate independence from Denmark and does not want to be American ever.
— Rasmus Jarlov (@RasmusJarlov) March 13, 2025
Since regaining office, Trump has emphasized the annexation of Greenland as a key priority, and his latest statements suggest he may be seeking NATO’s involvement in his efforts to acquire the territory.
Given its location and abundance of minerals, Greenland holds potential benefits for the US. It lies along the most direct route from Europe to North America and is crucial to the US’s ballistic missile warning system.
Polls indicate that the majority of Greenlanders support independence from Denmark while rejecting any prospects of annexation by the US.
