The Prime Minister of Greenland, Múte Egede, expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with President-elect Donald Trump in response to Trump’s ongoing interest in acquiring the island.
During a press conference held in Copenhagen on Friday, when questioned about any communication with Trump, Egede stated that he had not been in contact but emphasized that “we are prepared to have a conversation,” according to The Hill. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, present at the conference, indicated that she too had requested a meeting with Trump.
While Egede affirmed his readiness to engage with the president-elect, he stressed that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people. We do not aspire to be Danish, nor do we wish to be American. Our identity is Greenlandic.” The constitution of Denmark safeguards Greenland’s autonomy.
Trump had previously entertained the notion of purchasing Greenland during his initial term, but he appeared more serious about the idea in a December Truth Social message, labeling the acquisition as an “absolute necessity.”
“To ensure National Security and Freedom globally, the United States of America deems the ownership and governance of Greenland as absolutely essential,” Trump stated on December 22.
His son, Donald Trump Jr., also visited the island recently to explore “some of the most stunning areas and sights” that the president-elect had previously referenced.
“My son, Don Jr., along with other delegates, will be heading there to see some of the most breathtaking regions and attractions,” Trump noted in a January 6 Truth Social post shortly after the news of Don Jr.’s trip surfaced. “Greenland is an exceptional location, and its inhabitants will gain immensely if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation. We will safeguard it and cherish it against a harsh outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”
When asked by New York Times reporter David Sanger if he could “guarantee the world” that he won’t resort to “military or economic coercion” to take control of Greenland or to reclaim the Panama Canal at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago this week, Trump replied that he “cannot.”
“No, I cannot assure you on those two points,” Trump responded. “However, I can say this, we need them for economic stability.”
Egede previously commented on Trump’s intentions regarding Greenland in December, stating in a press release, “Greenland is ours.”
“We are not for sale and will forever remain unforsaken,” he added. “We must not surrender in our long battle for independence.”
