Greenland's political leaders have issued a unified rejection of former U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed suggestions of forceful acquisition, declaring their determination to shape the Arctic territory's future independently. The island's five parliamentary party leaders stated: "We want to be Greenlanders – our country's path must be decided by us alone," emphasizing resistance to external pressure.
The controversy follows Trump's January 2026 remarks about securing Greenland "whether they like it or not," reviving concerns last seen during his 2019 presidency. European governments are coordinating responses to what Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called a potential "end to the transatlantic security structure" if pursued.
Local residents expressed mixed views on independence timelines. While telecom worker Pitsi Mari cautioned against rushing sovereignty claims, opposition MP Juno Berthelsen urged accelerated preparations through legislative channels. The territory's vast rare earth mineral deposits and strategic Arctic location continue drawing international attention.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian recently dismissed U.S. claims about Arctic militarization as "pretexts for selfish gains," while Greenland's Danish parliament representative Aaja Chemnitz accused Trump of fabricating security threats. Analysts note Greenland's gradual move toward autonomy since gaining home rule in 1979 remains a delicate process involving Denmark and global stakeholders.
