U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced his belief that Greenland could become part of the United States, claiming that the island’s residents are open to the idea. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump said, “I think we’ll get it,” and added that Greenland’s population of 57,000 is “willing to join us.”
Trump’s statement comes in the wake of a tense phone conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, during which she firmly rejected any possibility of selling Greenland. The conversation reportedly lasted 45 minutes and has been described as “heated” by European officials, with some labeling Trump’s enthusiasm for the acquisition as both “serious” and “alarming.”
During his first term in 2019, Trump expressed interest in purchasing the vast Arctic territory, citing its importance for international security. Greenland is strategically significant due to its location on one of the shortest routes between North America and Europe and hosts a major U.S. military base. Additionally, the island is rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron, which have garnered increasing global attention.
Despite Trump’s optimism, both Greenlandic and Danish leaders have reiterated that Greenland is not for sale. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, has stated that decisions regarding the island’s resources and future remain a matter for the Greenlandic people. Meanwhile, Denmark’s Prime Minister Frederiksen reaffirmed that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders” and only they can determine its future.
Trump’s assertion that Greenlanders are eager to join the U.S. has surprised some residents of the island. A fishing boat captain in the village of Kapisillit told the BBC, “Trump is welcome to visit, but Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.” Another local leader, Kaleraq Ringsted, called Trump’s comments “unacceptable” and reiterated that Greenland is not for sale.
While Trump has ruled out the use of military or economic coercion to acquire Greenland, his interest has caused unease in Denmark, prompting high-level emergency meetings in Copenhagen earlier this month. Some experts speculate that Greenland’s eventual independence from Denmark could open the door to closer ties with the United States in the future.
As Trump continues to advocate for U.S. involvement in Greenland, both the Danish and Greenlandic governments have underscored their commitment to maintaining the island’s autonomy. For now, it appears that Greenland’s destiny will remain firmly in the hands of its own people.
