In his Tuesday speech, amid laughter from the audience, including the vice-president, JD Vance, Trump mentioned the people of Greenland, saying the US would welcome Greenland if it chose to become part of the nation, eliciting more laughter and applause.
He addressed the Greenlandic people, assuring them of safety, prosperity, and unparalleled heights under US guidance.
Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland’s minister for natural resources, among other responsibilities, expressed disappointment at the lack of respect shown towards Greenland’s people, history, and democracy in Trump’s remarks.
While acknowledging the potential for trade and cooperation without a “respectful tone”, she declined the concept of integrating with the US, emphasizing Greenland’s sovereignty and autonomy.
Nathanielsen pointed out the mixed signals from the US regarding allies and power use, patterned by Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, who emphasized Greenlanders’ self-determination, rejecting any form of American annexation or control.
Denmark historically ruled Greenland but still manages its foreign and security policies. This arrangement could evolve as Greenland votes in a pivotal general election on March 11.
A January poll by the Danish newspaper Berlingske found that 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the US.
Nathanielsen dismissed Trump’s comments as a strategic move aimed at an American audience, yet indicated that these comments will be addressed in Greenland’s parliament and government, urging voters to be cautious regarding American interests in Greenland.
Erik Jensen, Greenland’s finance minister, expressed dismay at the human perspective portrayed in Trump’s speech and the vice-president’s reaction.
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, maintained that Greenland’s future rests with its people, though she expressed hope for continued Danish-Greenlandic cooperation, underscoring the importance of “holding on to the Americans” due to the benefits of US collaboration to both Denmark and Europe.
She emphasized the need for Denmark and Europe to strengthen their position to effectively engage with the US in changing times.
